Patent ID: 7164684

Claim:
A method for forming a network including a plurality of communication devices, a wire network for allowing a plurality of communication transmissions between the communications devices, and at least one connectivity device connected to the wire network, said method comprising the steps of: utilizing the connectivity device to perform a repeater function including regenerating a communication signal such that the distance between the communications device is extended; utilizing the connectivity device to perform a routing function including routing communication transmissions by the communications devices through the wire network; and communicating, by a central processing unit located within the connectivity device, with a network hub device located within the connectivity device and a network switch device located within the connectivity device, wherein the network hub device performs a hub function including interconnecting the communication devices by bringing segments of the wire network together, and the network switch device performs a switching function including reducing communication collisions by providing communication transmissions from the communications devices with independent paths through the wire network; and integrating, within the connectivity device, a first function set and a second function set, wherein the first function set includes a print function other than the hub function, the switching function, the routing function, and the repeater function, and the second function set includes at least one of the hub function, the switching function, the routing function, and the repeater function.