US 8,275,228 B2 · Network interface unit for modular furniture

Abstract

A network interface unit (NIU) for a modular workstation includes a housing. One or more input network adapters on the housing receive input connectors of a first multi-network cable that is connected to a distribution network. One or more output network adapters on the housing receive output connectors of a second multi-network cable that is connected to another NIU of another modular workstation to provide for a daisy chain connection. One or more workstation adapters are provided on the housing for providing connections to one or more networks of various security levels. Cables that are connected to one or more CPUs or telephones of the workstation are connected to respective ones of the workstation adapters. The workstation adapters of the NIU may provide one or more of visual, physical, and geographical verification and segregation of the network connections to enhance the integrity of the security of the various networks available at the NIU.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A network interface unit for a modular workstation, the network interface unit comprising:

a housing;
an input on said housing that receives a first multi-fiber cable that is connected to a distribution network;
a breakout within said housing which separates fibers of said first multi-fiber cable;
a first workstation output on said housing which directs at least a first fiber of said breakout, representing a first network of said distribution network, to the exterior of said housing;
and
a second workstation output on said housing which directs at least a second fiber of said breakout, representing a second network of said distribution network, to the exterior of said housing, wherein said second network is separate from said first network.

3 more elements

A network interface unit for a modular workstation, the network interface unit comprising:

a housing;
an input network adapter on said housing that receives an input connector of a first cable that is connected to a distribution network;
a first workstation adapter on said housing;
a second cable having a first connector at one end connected to a first device supported by the workstation and a second connector at an opposite end connected to said first workstation adapter;
a second workstation adapter on said housing;
and
a third cable having a third connector at one end connected to a second device supported by the workstation and a fourth connector at an opposite end connected to said second workstation adapter;
wherein said first workstation adapter provides a connection to a first network having a first level of security and said second workstation adapter provides a connection to a second network having a second level of security;
and
wherein said second cable has a length which is sufficient to form a connection between said first device and said first workstation adapter, but is insufficient to form a connection between said first device and said second workstation adapter.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Network interface unit for modular furniture

Life of this patent

Network interface unit for modular furniture

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20