Multi-Network Cryptographic Device

Abstract

A Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card is disclosed. The PCMCIA card may include a cryptographic module, a communications interface, and a processor. The cryptographic module may perform Type 1 encryption of data received from a computer into which the card is inserted. The cryptographic module may support High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryption (HAIPE). The communications interface may provide connectivity to a network adapter. The communications interface may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The processor may detect whether a network adapter is coupled to the communications interface, identify a device driver that corresponds to the network adapter, and employ the device driver to provide operative communication between the cryptographic module and the network adapter. The PCMCIA card may contain a datastore that maintains a plurality device drivers. For example, the plurality of device drivers support any one of IEEE 802.x, Ethernet, V.90, or RS-232 network protocols.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.