Patent ID: 6721332
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A computer network comprising:a LAN hub; at least one network device connected to the LAN hub; at least one outer hub device connected to the LAN hub; and at least one USB device or at least one LAN computer connected to the outer hub device via a respective USB link; wherein the USB device or the LAN computer communicates with the outer hub device using the USB protocol; wherein the outer hub device communicates with the LAN hub using a LAN protocol; wherein the network device communicates with the LAN hub using the LAN protocol or a network protocol; and wherein, for asychronous communications, the outer hub device examines USB packets from the USB device or the LAN computer, generates handshake packets in response to the USB packets according to the USB protocol and ensures that the handshake packets are generated within a USB time limit prescribed by the USB protocol after receiving the USB packets.