Patent ID: 6412016
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A device for interconnecting a first network link, a second network link and a computer system that transfers information between the first and second network links under the control of software executed by the computer system, characterized in that it includes:a switch having a first position selecting a main path between the first and second network links, including said computer system, and a second position selecting a bypass path between the first and second network links; and a control circuit for selecting the first position of the switch when a predetermined control signal is received on a control line coupled to said computer system, and for selecting the second position of the switch when the predetermined control signal is not received on the control line; wherein said predetermined control signal is in the form of periodic pulses, the control circuit being arranged to select the second position of the switch when a pulse of the control signal has not been received within a predetermined period of time.