Patent ID: 7626992
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. An interface device for interfacing between a networkable device and a network, comprising: a hub with plural ports and constructed to transmit data received on one port to others of the plural ports, said plural ports including a first port connectable to the network, a second port connectable to the networkable device, and a third port connectable to a circuit board having control functionality; an isolation switch which isolates the first port from transmission of data by the hub; and an interface to the isolation switch which accepts a control signal for controlling the isolation switch to isolate the first port; wherein the control functionality of the circuit board includes control functionality to provide the control signal to said interface, and wherein the circuit board transmits data to the third port, which is transmitted by the hub to the second port, after the first port is isolated by the isolation switch, wherein network functionality of said circuit board provides extended functionality for the networkable device, and wherein said circuit board listens for network transmissions at the same address as that of said networkable device.