Patent ID: 6694430
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for utilizing a dual-function random access memory in an interface chip of a peripheral module for encrypting data, the peripheral module connectable to and for use with a host computer, said method comprising the steps of:interfacing said interface chip with said host computer via a standard interface slot for transferring data to and from said host computer; storing module identification information on a non-volatile memory component of said peripheral module; transferring said module identification information from the non-volatile memory to the host computer said transferring step comprising the steps of copying said module identification information to said dual-function random access memory prior to transferring said module identification information to said host computer; receiving data from the host computer; utilizing said dual-function random access memory for subsequent encrypting of said received data into encrypted datagrams; forming said encrypted datagrams into packets in accordance with a communications protocol for transmission over a communications channel; transmitting said packets over said communications channel in accordance with said communications protocol; receiving encrypted incoming datagrams from said communications channel; and storing said encrypted incoming datagrams in said dual-function random access memory.