Host Electronic Device Conversion Device Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transmission speeds between peripheral devices and host computers are limited by existing interfaces, such as Network-attached storage (NAS) which can only access data via a network interface at 1 Gbps, and devices like NAS cannot serve as network storage when connected via USB, limiting convenience and speed.
Innovation Solution
A host electronic device with a main operating circuit, interface circuit, and conversion device that includes external and internal virtual adapters and a network channel, enabling encoding and decoding of commands and data packets between different interfaces to facilitate high-speed data transmission while maintaining network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If NAS is connected to host computer via network interface, then network access is maintained, but data transmission speed is limited to 1 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conversion device as an intermediary between the NAS and host computer. This device includes an external virtual adapter that receives commands from the host computer and an internal virtual adapter that communicates with the NAS, translating between different interface protocols (Thunderbolt/USB and network protocols) to enable both high-speed transmission and network access functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a protocol translator, a virtual adapter, and a network interface simultaneously. By integrating these functions into a single device, it enables the NAS to achieve both high-speed data transmission through Thunderbolt/USB interfaces and maintain network access capabilities through protocol conversion
2Speed
If NAS is connected to host computer via USB interface, then data transmission speed increases, but network access capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion device serves as a mediator that bridges the USB-connected NAS and the network environment. It receives USB commands from the host computer, converts them to network protocols, and transmits them to the NAS, thereby restoring network access capability while maintaining the high-speed USB connection
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion device creates virtual representations of network interface functionality within the USB connection framework. By implementing virtual adapters that emulate network protocol behavior, it allows the USB-connected NAS to function as if it were connected via network interface, enabling network storage access while utilizing the faster USB transmission path
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a host electronic device including a main operating circuit, a first peripheral bus, an interface circuit, a second peripheral bus, and a conversion device. The interface circuit is coupled between the second peripheral bus and a host computer for receiving an external command form the host computer through a transmission protocol compatible with a first interface. The conversion device is coupled between the first and the second peripheral bus including an external virtual adapter, an internal virtual adapter, and a network channel. Furthermore, the conversion device encodes and decodes the external command, and produces a decoded external command. A processor of the main operating circuit executes the decoded external command, such that the main operating circuit implements a corresponding operation.