Patent ID: 6115747
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
An interface for interfacing a computer to a computer network including a plurality of computers communicating via a packet assembly channel, the computers being capable of generating data packets intended for delivery to another computer on the network, the interface comprising:a) a local input for connecting to the computer and for receiving local data packets from the computer;b) a remote input for connecting to the packet assembly channel and for receiving remote data packets from another computer on the network via the packet assembly channel;c) a remote output for connecting to the packet assembly channel and for delivering local and remote data packets to the packet assembly channel for transmission to another computer on the network;d) a processor connected between the remote output and each of the inputs for transmitting local and remote data packets to the packet assembly channel via the remote output;e) a local storage device connected between the local input and the processor for receiving local data packets from the local input and providing local data packets to the processor; andf) a remote storage device connected between the remote input and the processor for receiving remote data packets from the remote input and providing remote data packets to the processor;the local storage device for temporarily storing local data packets received from the local input when the processor is receiving remote data packets from the remote storage device; andthe remote storage device for temporarily storing remote data packets received from the remote input when the processor is transmitting local data packets to the packet assembly channel via the remote output;such that the processor merges remote data packets with local data packets for transmission to the network.