Patent ID: 11899603
Assignee: OSOM PRODUCTS, INC.
Field: Computer technology (Electrical engineering)
Classification: CPC G | IPC G

Claim 12:
13. A multiport hub comprising:
a primary connector configured to communicatively couple the multiport hub to an external source of data and power;
a number (N) of data lines configured to communicate data between the primary connector and N ports integrated in the multiport hub;
a number (M) of power lines configured to transfer power between the primary connector and M ports,
wherein M ports≤N ports, and
wherein the multiport hub forms 1-to-N connections between the primary connector and the N ports;

one or more switches configured to mechanically change a number (P) of ports between a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode when changed to a first position, a second position, or a third position, respectively,
wherein P data lines are enabled to communicate data while in the first mode and disabled to communicate data while in the second mode,
wherein the M power lines are enabled to transfer power from the external source of data and power regardless of whether the one or more switches are operated to mechanically change the P ports between the first mode and the second mode, and
wherein the P data lines and M power lines are disabled while in the third mode.