Technique for coupling CTOS units to non-CTOS host

A method for internetworking non-CTOS computer means with a network of CTOS terminals, this method including:

• providing said computer means with system-bus means, with CTOS-net bus means coupled and arranged to transfer signals to/from said system-bus with communication control means and net-interface means coupled and adapted to transfer signals between said CTOS-net bus means and said communication controller means and also providing associated network connections via a cluster-interface stage which is adapted to handle signals to/from said network connections;
• said CTOS-net bus means being made to comprise ISA-bus means adapted to deliver address, data and control signals, plus associated interface logic means;
• wherein said communication controller means is coupled and adapted to transfer clock and data signals;
• and include a CTOS cluster controller chip intercoupling said cluster-interface stage and said CTOS-net bus means;
• wherein said interface means comprises address buffer means, data buffer means and intermediating buffer control means for controlling signal flow to/from both buffer means;
• and wherein said data buffer means is coupled to said CTOS cluster controller chip via CTOS Boot ROM means which is made to include memory-control input means thereto;
• and
• wherein said interface means comprises address buffer means, data buffer means and intermediating buffer control means for controlling signal flow to and from both said address-buffer means and said data buffer means;
• and wherein said memory-control input means is inputted from both said Buffer means and said Buffer Control means;
• and wherein said Boot ROM is also coupled directly with both said Buffer means.