Patent ID: 6678535
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A protocol converter device for communications systems comprising:one or more first interface devices for receiving data packets communicated by a first device capable of transmitting data packets according to a first communications protocol; a format converter device for converting said received data packets into data packets suitable for transmission in accordance with a second communications protocol; and, one or more second interface devices for outputting said data packets in accordance with said second protocol to a second device capable of receiving said data packets transmitted according to said second communications protocol, means for receiving parameters relating to communication and data processing capabilities of said second device in advance of receiving communications from first devices, to enable conversion of communications received in a first data format from said first devices to data formats supported by said second device according to said received parameters; whereby said protocol converter device obviates a necessity for multiprotocol support in said first and second devices and permits multiple simultaneous communications between pairs of first and second devices according to different communications protocols and data formats.