System and method for using a portable electronic device as a secure virtual mass storage device over a network

A wireless device is provided. The wireless device has a processor for controlling operation of the wireless device; a first input device coupled to the processor for accepting an input; at least one display device coupled to the processor for communicating an output to the user; a communications subsystem coupled to the processor for communicating with a communications network; a universal serial bus (USB) storage device connected to a USB port of the wireless device; a memory coupled to the processor; and a storage device coupled to the processor. The wireless device includes a USB/network handling module resident in the memory for execution by the processor. The USB/network handling module is configured to establish a secure connection between the wireless device and a server of a network; load a universal serial bus mass storage component; initiate a file share between the wireless device and the server; and mount the USB storage device connected to the USB port of the wireless device as a shared network drive on the network.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to portable devices, and more particularly to a system and method for using a portable electronic device as a secure virtual mass storage device over a network.

BACKGROUND

People increasingly have portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants, pagers, etc. Many portable electronic devices have increasingly large amounts of storage space for data, be it integrated internal storage or storage provided by way of a memory card or USB memory device that is inserted in or plugged into the device.

Conventional portable electronic devices make it difficult to externally access this storage space using a separate computer such as a desktop PC, particularly if the user does not have the required cable available to connect the portable electronic device to the PC. Further, portable electronic devices that require further storage space while mobile beyond what is available internally to the device have no options for additional storage space while mobile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the description provides a wireless device. The wireless device has a processor for controlling operation of the wireless device; a first input device coupled to the processor for accepting an input; at least one display device coupled to the processor for communicating an output to the user; a communications subsystem coupled to the processor for communicating with a communications network; a universal serial bus (USB) storage device connected to a USB port of the wireless device; a memory coupled to the processor; and a storage device coupled to the processor. The wireless device includes a plurality of modules resident in the memory for execution by the processor, the plurality of modules including a USB/network handling module. The plurality of modules are configured to establish a secure connection between the wireless device and a server of a network; load a universal serial bus mass storage component; initiate a file share between the wireless device and the server; and mount the USB storage device connected to the USB port of the wireless device as a shared network drive on the network.

Another aspect of the description provides a method for mounting memory of a wireless device as a shared network drive on a network. The method comprises establishing a secure connection between the wireless device and a server of the network; loading a universal serial bus (USB) mass storage component on the wireless device; initiating a file share between the wireless device and the server; and mounting the memory of the wireless device as a shared network drive on the network. The memory of the wireless device may include one of internal random access memory (RAM); internal read-only memory (ROM); internal flash memory; a flash memory module inserted into the wireless device (102); a memory module inserted into the wireless device (102); a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive plugged into the wireless device; and a universal serial bus (USB) hard drive plugged into the wireless device.

Reference is first made toFIG. 1, which shows a block diagram illustrating a portable wireless device102that may be used as a virtual mass storage device over a network in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The wireless device102communicates through a wireless communication network104. The wireless network104includes antenna, base stations, and supporting radio equipment as for supporting wireless communications between the wireless device102and other devices connected to wireless network104. The wireless network104may be coupled to a wireless network gateway and to a wide area network, shown inFIG. 2.

In one embodiment, the wireless device102is a two-way communication device having at least voice and/or data communication capabilities, including the capability to communicate with other computer systems. In one embodiment, the wireless device102is a handheld device. Depending on the functionality provided by the wireless device102, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities), or a portable media or music player. The wireless device102may communicate with any one of a plurality of fixed transceiver stations within its geographic coverage area.

The wireless device102may incorporate a communication subsystem112, which includes a receiver114, a transmitter116, and associated components, such as one or more antenna elements118and120, local oscillators (LOs)122, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP)124. In one embodiment, the antenna elements118and120may be embedded or internal to the wireless device102. As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of communications, the particular design of the communication subsystem112depends on the wireless network104in which the wireless device102is intended to operate.

The wireless device102may send and receive communication signals over the wireless network104after the required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Signals received by the antenna118through the wireless network104are input to the receiver114, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., as well as analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in the DSP124. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by the DSP124. These DSP-processed signals are input to the transmitter116for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification, and transmission to the wireless network104via the antenna120. The DSP124not only processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in the receiver114and the transmitter116may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP124.

Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of the wireless device102via a memory module, such as a memory module130, which may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card for use in a GSM network or a USIM card for use in a UMTS. The SIM card is inserted in or connected to an interface132of the wireless device102in order to operate in conjunction with the wireless network104. Alternatively, the wireless device102may have an integrated identity module for use with systems such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems.

The wireless device102also includes a battery interface136for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries138. The battery138provides electrical power to at least some of the electrical circuitry in the wireless device102, and the battery interface136provides a mechanical and electrical connection for the battery138. The battery interface136is coupled to a regulator (not shown) which provides power V+ to the circuitry of the wireless device102.

The wireless device102includes a microprocessor140which controls the overall operation of the wireless device102. Communication functions, including at least data and voice communications, are performed through the communication subsystem112. The microprocessor140also interacts with additional device subsystems such as a display142, a flash memory144, a random access memory (RAM)146, a read-only memory (ROM)148, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems150, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port152, a keyboard or keypad154, a speaker or audio port156for connecting to, for example a set of headphones, a microphone158, a clickable thumbwheel, thumbwheel, or set of scroll buttons160, a short-range communications subsystem162, and any other device subsystems generally designated as164. Some of the subsystems shown inFIG. 1perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as the keypad154, the display142, and the clickable thumbwheel160, for example, may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over the wireless network104, and executing device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used by the microprocessor140is preferably stored in a persistent store such as the flash memory144, which may alternatively be the ROM148or similar storage element. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as the RAM146.

The microprocessor140, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications on the wireless device102. A predetermined set of applications that control basic device operations, including data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on the wireless device102during or after manufacture. The wireless device102may include a personal information manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to a user such as, but not limited to, instant messaging, email, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. One or more memory stores may be available on the wireless device102to facilitate storage of information, such as the flash memory144, the RAM146, the ROM148, the memory module130, or other types of memory storage devices such as external hard drives, flash drives, or FLASH memory cards represented by the other device subsystems164, such as Secure Digital (SD) cards, mini SD cards, micro SD cards, etc.

The PIM and/or media applications have the ability to send and receive data items via either the wireless network104or a link to a computer system. The link to the computer system may be via the serial port152or the short-range communications subsystem162. Additional applications may also be loaded onto the wireless device102through the wireless network104, the auxiliary I/O subsystem150, the serial port152, the short-range communications subsystem162, or any other suitable subsystem164, and installed by a user in the RAM146or a non-volatile store such as the ROM148for execution by the microprocessor140. Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of the wireless device102and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using the wireless device102.

In a data communication mode, a received data signal representing information such as a text message, an email message, a media file to be transferred, or Web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem112and input to the microprocessor140. The microprocessor140will further process the signal for output to the display142or alternatively to the auxiliary I/O device150. A user of the wireless device102may also compose data items, such as email messages, for example, using the keypad154and/or the clickable thumbwheel160in conjunction with the display142and possibly the auxiliary I/O device150. The keypad154may be either a complete alphanumeric keypad or telephone-type keypad.

For voice communications, the overall operation of the wireless device102is similar, except that the received signals would be output to the speaker or audio port156and signals for transmission would be generated by a transducer such as the microphone158. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on the wireless device102. Although voice or audio signal output is typically accomplished primarily through the speaker or audio port156, the display142may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information. Stereo headphones may also be used in place of the speaker156.

The serial port152is normally implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA) type communication device for which synchronization with a user's computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component. The serial port152enables a user to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of the wireless device102by providing for information, media file, or software downloads to the wireless device102other than through the wireless network104.

The short-range communications subsystem162is an additional optional component which provides for communication between the wireless device102and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, the subsystem162may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a wireless bus protocol compliant communication mechanism such as a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices (Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.). In another embodiment, the short-range communications subsystem162may be a wireless networking communications subsystem, conforming to IEEE 802.11 standards such as 802.11b, 802.11g, and/or 802.11n.

Reference is next made toFIG. 2, which shows a communication system200suitable for use with the wireless device102shown inFIG. 1. The communication system200generally includes one or more wireless devices102(only one of which is shown inFIG. 2) and the wireless network104. The wireless network104may include a wireless Wide Area Network (WAN)202, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)204, and/or other interfaces206(which may not necessarily be wireless).

Referring toFIG. 2, the wireless WAN202may be implemented as a packet-based cellular or mobile network that includes a number of base stations208(one of which is shown inFIG. 2) where each of the base stations208provides wireless Radio Frequency (RF) coverage to a corresponding area or cell. The wireless WAN202is typically operated by a cellular network service provider that sells subscription packages to users of the wireless devices102. The wireless WAN202comprises a number of different types of networks, for example, Mobitex Radio Network, DataTAC, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), GPRS (General Packet Radio System), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data), iDEN (integrated Digital Enhanced Network) or various other third generation networks such as EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems), or Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO).

As shown inFIG. 2, the communications system200also includes a wireless network gateway210and one or more network provider systems212. The wireless network gateway210provides translation and routing services between the network provider system(s)212and the WAN202, which facilitates communication between the wireless devices102and other devices (not shown) connected, directly or indirectly, to the network provider system212.

The WLAN204comprises a network which in some examples conforms to IEEE 802.11 standards such as 802.11b, 802.11g, and/or 802.11n; however, other communications protocols may also be used for the WLAN204. The WLAN204includes one or more wireless RF Access Points (AP)214(one of which is shown inFIG. 2) that collectively provide a WLAN coverage area. For the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2, the WLAN204is operated by an enterprise (for example, a business or university in a building or campus type environment) and the access points214are connected to an access point (AP) interface216. The AP interface216provides translation and routing services between the access points214and the network provider system212to facilitate communication between two or more of the wireless devices102and other devices (e.g., such as desktop computers) connected, directly or indirectly, to the network provider system212. The AP interface216is implemented using a computer, for example, a server running a suitable computer program or software.

According to one embodiment, the other interfaces206may be implemented using a physical interface indicated by reference218. The physical interface218includes an Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Firewire, or infrared (IR) connection implemented to exchange information between the network provider system212and the wireless device102.

The network provider system212comprises a server or server modules or a number of servers or server modules which are typically located behind a firewall (not shown). The network provider system212may include a number of modules including a mobile data delivery module220. Various modules running on the network provider system212may be implemented as a number of services running on a single server or as a number of interconnected servers each running a software program to implement the functionality of the respective module. The network provider system212provides access for the wireless devices102, through either the wireless WAN202, the WLAN204, or the other connection206to the devices connected, for example, through an enterprise network224(e.g., an intranet), to the network provider system212. In one embodiment, the data delivery module220is implemented on a computer, such as the network provider system212.

The enterprise network224comprises a local area network, an intranet, the Internet, a direct connection, or combinations thereof. The enterprise network224may comprise an intranet for a corporation or other type of organization. In at least some embodiments, the network provider system212is part of the enterprise network224, and is located behind a corporate firewall and connected to the wireless network gateway210through the Internet. A computer222(e.g., a desktop or laptop computer) belonging to the user of the wireless device102is typically connected to the enterprise network224. As described earlier, the wireless device102may be temporarily and directly connected to the computer222using, for example, the serial port152. This direct connection may make use of a cradle or docking station connected to a serial port of the computer222, where the mobile device102is placed in the cradle, therefore completing the serial connection between the mobile device102and the computer222. Alternatively, the wireless device102may communicate with the computer222using the communication subsystem112and the WAN202and/or the short-range communications subsystem162and the WLAN204.

As shown inFIG. 2, an application/content server226may be connected to the enterprise network224and also to another network, for example a Wide Area Network (WAN)228. In some embodiments, an email server232and/or the content server226form part of the enterprise network224. The WAN228may further connect to other networks. The WAN228may comprise or be configured with the Internet, a direct connection, a LAN, a wireless communication link, or any combination thereof. Content providers, such as Web servers, may be connected to the WAN228, an example of which is shown inFIG. 2as an origin server230.

According to one embodiment, the mobile data delivery module220provides connectivity between the wireless WAN202and the WLAN204and the other connection206and devices and/or networks connected directly or indirectly to the network provider system212. In one embodiment, the connectivity provided may be Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) based connectivity providing an Internet based service connection to devices connected to the wireless WAN202, the WLAN204, or the other connection206and devices and/or networks connected directly or indirectly to the network provider system212. The network224, the application/content server226, the WAN228, and the origin server230, are individually and/or collectively in various combinations a content source for the network provider system212. It will be appreciated that the system shown inFIG. 2comprises but one possible communication network or configuration of a multitude of possible configurations for use with the wireless devices102.

Reference is next made toFIG. 3, which shows a block diagram illustrating a memory300of the wireless device102. The memory300has various software components for controlling the wireless device102and may include, for example, the flash memory144, the RAM146, the ROM148, the memory module130and/or the other device subsystems164. In accordance with one embodiment, the wireless device102is intended to be a multi-tasking wireless communications device configured for sending and receiving data items and for making and receiving voice calls that also includes various applications enabling users to listen to music, watch video files, play games, view picture files, surf the internet wirelessly, etc. To provide a user-friendly environment to control the operation of the wireless device102, an operating system (OS)302resident on the wireless device102provides a basic set of operations for supporting various applications typically operable through a graphical user interface (GUI)304. For example, the operating system302provides basic input/output system features to obtain input from the auxiliary I/O150, the keypad154, the clickable thumbwheel160, and other input devices, and to facilitate output to the user via the display142. The GUI304is typically a component of the operating system302. One or more software modules306for managing communications or providing a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other functions may also be included. The memory300also includes an email and calendar client, which may be combined in, for example, a PIM application having email-based calendaring and scheduling functions. Typically, the PIM is installed as one of the software modules306.

The memory300also includes a USB mass storage component308, a VPN component310that is used for connecting with virtual private networks (VPNs) and may interact with, in one example, a file share component or protocol314such as a server message block (SMB) file share protocol, and a USB/Network handling module312. In one example, the USB mass storage component308may be a class. In one example, each of the components308,310,312, and314may be integrated into the operating system302. Alternatively, the components308,310,312, and314may be separate software components, as illustrated inFIG. 3. In one example, the USB mass storage component308may be a component of the operating system302and is responsible for handling USB interfacing aspects where the wireless device102is presented as a mass storage device. The USB mass storage class may be a set of computing communications protocols defined by the USB Implementers Forum that run on the Universal Serial Bus; this standard provides an interface to a variety of storage devices. For example, when the wireless device102is connected to a computing device using a USB cable (e.g., the computer222), any internal memory of the wireless device102and/or any memory cards or external mass storage devices inserted into or plugged into the wireless device102(e.g., memory module130, flash memory144, RAM146, ROM148, other device subsystems164, and/or external USB storage device plugged into the serial port152) may be presented on the computer222as one or more USB mass storage devices accessible by the computer222. The USB mass storage component308is responsible for handling this interaction from the perspective of the wireless device102.

In another example, the VPN component310may be responsible for handling most or all aspects of the wireless device102joining and participating in a VPN, either wirelessly or using a wired connection. The VPN component310may also store the VPN credentials needed to authenticate the wireless device102with the user's corporate or enterprise network. Further, the VPN component310may handle access to various devices through the VPN. In one example, the VPN component310may interact closely with the sever message block (SMB) protocol314, an application-level network protocol mainly used to provide shared access to files, printers, serial ports, and miscellaneous communications between nodes on a network. SMB may be used to mount volumes on a network, for example if the wireless device102needed to access files stored on a particular server on the VPN.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, if USB devices are to be mounted as drives in a VPN and to be available across a VPN, an interface between the USB mass storage component308and the VPN component310needs to be facilitated. The USB/Network handling module312may handle this task, and may be responsible primarily for translating file system requests from the network to USB requests. This is described in more detail below in connection withFIG. 5.

Thus, the wireless device102includes computer executable programmed instructions for directing the wireless device102to implement various applications. The programmed instructions may be embodied in the one or more software modules306resident in the memory300of the wireless device102. Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium (such as a DVD, CD, floppy disk or other storage media) which may be used for transporting the programmed instructions to the memory300of the wireless device102. Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be embedded in a computer-readable, signal-bearing medium that is uploaded to the wireless network104by a vendor or supplier of the programmed instructions, and this signal-bearing medium may be downloaded through one or more of the interfaces112,150,152,162to the wireless device102from, for example, the wireless network104by end users.

Reference is next made toFIG. 4, which shows a front view of the wireless device102. As mentioned above, the wireless device102may be a data and voice-enabled handheld device. The wireless device102includes a casing402, the data or serial port152, the display screen142, the graphical user interface (GUI)304, the keypad154, the clickable thumbwheel or scroll buttons160aor other device for navigation such as a trackball160b, one or more input buttons404(e.g., select, cancel, talk, play, stop, fast forward, rewind, next, previous buttons), signal inputs/outputs406(e.g., direct wire connection or inductive coupling power connector input, microphone, speaker, data interface input, etc.), and an audio port407. Additionally, the wireless device102may have a number of navigation control buttons represented by numerals409aand409b. The navigation control buttons409may provide a number of functions such as a send and/or end key for a mobile telephone application of the wireless device102, a menu key, an escape key, etc. The functions of the navigation control buttons409may be user configurable. Internally, the wireless device102includes one or more circuit boards (not shown), the microprocessor140(FIG. 1), the memory300(FIG. 3), the battery138(FIG. 1), the antennae118,120(FIG. 1), etc., which may all be coupled to the signal inputs/outputs406, the keypad154, the display screen142, the clickable thumbwheel160, etc.

The microprocessor140is typically coupled to one or more input devices (e.g., the buttons404, the keypad154, the clickable thumbwheel160) for receiving user commands or queries and the display142for displaying the results of these commands or queries. For example, user queries may be transformed into a combination of commands for producing one or more tables of output data which may be incorporated in one or more display pages for presentation to the user. The microprocessor140is also coupled to the memory300.

A user may interact with the wireless device102and its software modules306using the GUI304. The GUI304is controlled by the operating system302(FIG. 3) and provides a display format enabling the user to choose commands, execute application programs, manage computer files, and perform other functions by selecting pictorial representations (i.e., icons), or selecting items from a menu through the use of an input or pointing device such as the clickable thumbwheel160and/or the keypad154. Generally, the GUI304is used to convey information and receive commands from users and generally includes a variety of GUI objects or controls including icons, toolbars, drop-down menus, pop-up menus, text, dialog boxes, buttons, etc. A user typically interacts with the GUI304presented on the display142by using an input or pointing device to position a pointer or cursor408over an object410(i.e., “pointing” at the object) and by “clicking” on the object410(e.g., by depressing the thumbwheel160or a button on the keyboard154, etc.). This is often referred to as a point-and-click or selection operation. Typically, the object410may be highlighted (e.g., shaded) when it is selected or pointed at by the pointer or cursor408to indicate that the object410is selectable.

Typically, a GUI-based system presents application, status, and other information to the user in windows appearing on the display142. A window412is a display area shown within the display142, typically rectangular, in which a user may view an application or document. The window412may be open, closed, displayed full screen, reduced to an icon, increased or reduced in size, or moved to different areas of the display142. Multiple windows412may be displayed simultaneously. For example, the windows412may be displayed within other windows, overlapped with other windows, or tiled within the display area.

Reference is next made toFIG. 5, which shows in flowchart form a method500for mounting wireless device memory as a shared network drive in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, the wireless device memory to be mounted as a shared network drive may be an external USB flash drive or hard drive plugged into the serial port152of the wireless device102. At a first block502, a user may be using the wireless device102and may establish a secure connection between the wireless device102and a server on the user's enterprise network (e.g., the content server226or the origin server230). In one example, the secure connection may be a virtual private network (VPN) connection. This may allow the user to establish a secure connection with a server on the user's enterprise network over what may otherwise be an insecure connection. This VPN connection may be managed by the VPN component310. The VPN connection may be initiated at the request of the user, or automatically in response to the availability of any of a particular type of connection. For example, the wireless device102may detect the presence of a relatively high speed connection, such as an authorized Wi-Fi network or a 3G or 4G network and may automatically join the VPN. The VPN component typically already has the credentials needed to join the user's VPN saved in the memory300. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to enter credentials to join the VPN.

At a second block504, the USB mass storage component308may be loaded by the wireless device102in preparation for the mounting of a USB mass storage device, such as a flash drive or hard drive. This may be performed automatically when a USB device is plugged into the wireless device102, if the user has set configuration settings to indicate that memory of the wireless device102should always be made available as a shared network resource when the wireless device102is connected to the VPN. Alternatively, the user may choose when memory of the wireless device should be mounted as a shared network resource and the USB mass storage component308may be loaded in response to such a selection by the user.

Next, at a block506, a file share may be initiated between the wireless device102and the server. In one example, the file share may be server message block (SMB) file share. This may also be performed automatically, if the user has set configuration settings to indicate that memory of the wireless device102should always be made available as a shared network resource when the wireless device102is connected to the VPN. Alternatively, the user may choose when memory of the wireless device should be mounted as a shared network resource and the file share may be initiated in response to such a selection.

Finally, at a block508, the USB/Network handling module312mounts the memory of the wireless device102as a shared network drive by bridging the gap between the USB mass storage component308, which may be a conventional means for mounting wireless device memory as a USB mass storage device when the device is connected to a personal computer through a serial cable, and the file share310, which may be a conventional means for mounting a network drive in a VPN. It is intended that wireless device memory300, as referred to in the present application, is intended to include any memory and/or storage device in or connected to the wireless device102that would normally be or may be communicated with through the USB mass storage class308.

By mounting the memory300of the wireless device102as a network share, the internal memory or attached storage device300of the wireless device102become available to any computer connected to the server of the enterprise network. For example, the memory300of the wireless device102, which is available as a network share, may be mounted as a network drive on the user's personal computer and the user may have access to the memory300of the wireless device102without having to physically connect the wireless device102to a computer222. This allows the user to manipulate (e.g., copy, move, delete, etc.) files on the wireless device102in the same manner as the user would manipulate files on any storage device available to his personal computer. The user may also do so using any computer attached to the enterprise network. The method500may be applicable with the wireless device102using any means of connectivity to the user's enterprise network (e.g., WLAN204, the WAN202, the physical connection218, and/or the serial connection to the computer222).

The method500may provide a number of advantages. In one example, if the user forgets his wireless device at home and the wireless device is connected to the user's home Wi-Fi connection, the memory300of the wireless device102may be available to the user at work as a shared network drive. In another example, the wireless device102may be used to share files locally where connecting via USB cable is not an option (e.g., there is no physical access to a computer with a USB port, if the user was using some sort of a terminal, for example). A user may also use the wireless device102for backing up or collecting data from a remote site that otherwise lacks network connectivity. Further, a standalone presentation system capable of playing files on a network (e.g., a ceiling mounted projector) may be fed with video data from a portable harddrive without physically running a cable to the projector. The same concept may apply to using a networked printer to print documents as printers often have network connectivity, but needn't have USB support for external storage.

The method500may also operate in a complementary fashion where a corporate network share may be mounted as a local USB device on the wireless device102, as explained in more detail below in connection withFIG. 6.

Reference is next made toFIG. 6, which shows in flowchart form a method600for mounting a network drive as a USB mass storage device for a wireless device in accordance with one embodiment. At a first block502, a user may be using the wireless device102and may establish a secure connection between the wireless device102and a server or remote personal computer (PC) on the user's enterprise network (e.g., the content server226or the origin server230or any remote PC). In one example, the secure connection may be a virtual private network (VPN) connection. This VPN connection may be managed by the VPN component310. The VPN connection may be initiated at the request of the user, or automatically in response to the availability of any of a particular type of connection. For example, the wireless device102may detect the presence of a relatively high speed connection, such as an authorized Wi-Fi network or a 3G or 4G network and may automatically join the VPN. The VPN component typically already has the credentials needed to join the user's VPN saved in the memory300. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to enter credentials to join the VPN.

At a second block604, the USB mass storage component308may be loaded by the wireless device102in preparation for the mounting of a USB mass storage device. For example, the wireless device102may be connected to a local PC using a USB cable and the USB mass storage component308maybe used to provide storage accessible to the wireless device102for use by the PC over the USB connection. This may be performed automatically, if the user has set configuration settings to indicate that enterpriser network drives should always be made available to the wireless device102and/or device connected to the wireless device102serial port152as simulated local USB drives when the wireless device102is connected to the VPN. Alternatively, the user may choose when network drives should be mounted as a simulated USB drives and the USB mass storage component308may be loaded in response to such a selection by the user.

Next, at a block606, a file share may be initiated between the wireless device102and the server and/or remote PC. In one example, the file share may be server message block (SMB) file share. This may be performed automatically, if the user has set configuration settings to indicate that enterprise network drives should always be made available to the wireless device102or a connected PC as simulated local USB drives when the wireless device102is connected to the VPN. Alternatively, the user may choose when network drives should be mounted as a simulated USB drives and the USB mass storage component308may be loaded in response to such a selection by the user.

Finally, at a block608, the USB/Network handling module312mounts the network drive as a simulated local USB device for use by the wireless device102and/or PC connected to the wireless device102by USB by functioning as an interface between the USB mass storage component308, which may be a conventional means for mounting devices as a USB mass storage device when the device is connected to a personal computer through a serial cable, and the file share component or protocol314, which may be a conventional means for mounting a network drive in a VPN.

By mounting a network shared drive as a USB mass storage device on the wireless device102, the wireless device102and devices connected to the wireless device102serial port152are able to access network storage located on a remote server or computer of the user's corporate LAN as a local mass storage device. This is useful to the user of the wireless device102if the internal memory300of the wireless device102becomes full and the user needs space to store additional material, or if the user wishes to save files for easy access, or if the user needs to use his wireless device102as a bridge to his enterprise network and make this accessible to a local PC.

This allows the user to manipulate (e.g., copy, move, delete, etc.) files on the enterprise network in the same manner as the user would manipulate files locally on the wireless device102and/or a connected PC. The method600may be applicable with the wireless device102using any means of connectivity to the user's enterprise network (e.g., WLAN204, the WAN202, the physical connection218, and/or the serial connection to the computer222).

The embodiments of the present disclosure described above are intended to be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations, modifications and variations to the particular embodiments without departing from the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, selected features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be combined to create alternative embodiments not explicitly described, features suitable for such combinations being readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The subject matter described herein in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.