LAN Router with Universal NIC for Multi-Protocol Peripheral Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems require multiple adapters and complex configurations to connect multiple users to a variety of peripheral devices, leading to high costs and complexity, especially when accessing multi-media devices over an Ethernet-based LAN system.
Innovation Solution
A local area network router with a central processing unit, multiple peripheral devices connected via local interfaces, and IP addresses for direct communication over the Internet, allowing users to access a wide range of devices through wireless modems or the Internet, with the router dynamically managing data packets and interface protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters and complex configurations are used to connect multiple users to various peripheral devices, then device compatibility and access capability are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal network interface card (NIC) that can handle multiple communication protocols (Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394, serial, parallel) through a single device. The NIC includes protocol identification logic that automatically detects the target device type and routes data packets accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters while maintaining broad device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network interface card as an intermediary device between the network and various peripheral devices. The NIC acts as a mediator that translates between different communication protocols, allowing seamless communication between Ethernet-based networks and devices using diverse interfaces without requiring complex direct connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters and interface devices are deployed to access different peripheral devices, then device access capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface card is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting various communication protocols including Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394, serial, and parallel interfaces. This multi-functional design allows a single adapter to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized adapters, reducing both cost and system complexity while maintaining full device access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple interface functionalities into a single network interface card device. By merging Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394, serial, and parallel interface capabilities into one integrated adapter, the system reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining the ability to access diverse peripheral devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Ethernet-based LAN systems with multiple interface adapters are used, then peripheral device connectivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface card incorporates automatic protocol detection and identification capabilities. When a data packet arrives, the NIC automatically identifies the target device type and selects the appropriate communication protocol without requiring manual configuration by the user. This self-service approach simplifies operation while maintaining broad peripheral device connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the network interface card with support for multiple communication protocols and device types. The NIC is designed in advance to handle various device interfaces, so when a device is connected, the appropriate protocol is already available and can be activated automatically without requiring complex setup procedures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for a local area network router, that allows communication between a number of remotely located users, and a plurality of peripheral devices connected to the local area network router. Users may access the local area network using wireless devices or the Internet. The peripheral devices, which may include a wide variety of multi-media storage, playback, printing, or other functions, are connected to the router via local interfaces, which communicate with the peripheral devices via established protocols. Each of the peripheral devices is provided with an IP address, which facilitates direct communication of the users with the peripheral devices and permits direct communication with the devices over the Internet. Data packets destined for the IP address of a peripheral device are router through the local interface, which converts the data utilizing compatible communication protocols for the target peripheral device.