Data relaying unit and method of transmitting data between host and client devices
US6189040A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/60
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A data relaying unit includes a first input/output terminal for connection to a host device, a plurality of second input/output terminals for connection with a plurality of client devices, a quasi host device that, in accordance with an instruction from the host computer, controls direct data transmission between the client devices, and a connection switching device that selectively connects the individually second input/output terminals to either the first input/output terminal or the quasi host device. In accordance with an instruction from the host computer, the connection switching device connects the second input/output terminals of predetermined ones of the client devices to the quasi host device so as to permit direct data transmission between the predetermined client devices. Schedule for the data transmission between the client devices is managed by the quasi host device. The quasi host may monitor a condition of the data transmission between the client devices and inform the host device of presence/absence of a unusual condition or the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.