Patent ID: 7024478

Claim:
A data system comprising: a local area network (LAN) comprising a hub/switch and coupled to a server, said LAN for coupling with a Public Switched Telephone Network for communication therewith; an ethernet phone coupled to communicate with said LAN; a cradle for receiving a portable computer system and also coupled to communicate with said LAN without going through said phone; wherein said hub/switch is for detecting a connection to a portable computer system and for performing authentication in response thereto; wherein said cradle is for receiving user authentication data from said portable computer system and transmitting said user authentication data to said server; and wherein said server is for opening a port on said hub/switch allowing said ethernet phone to communicate voice data over said LAN and also allowing said cradle access to said LAN provided said authentication is successful and otherwise for causing said hub/switch to block said ethernet phone and said cradle from accessing said LAN and said server for closing said port in response to detecting operational variations that are unfamiliar to said LAN.