Multi-Computer Network Sharing System with USB Plug-and-Play Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network communication systems and KVMoIP frameworks are limited in allowing multiple electronic devices to connect to an ethernet network via USB interfaces, leading to user inconvenience and requiring network cables or Wi-Fi devices for internet access.
Innovation Solution
A multi-computers network sharing system with plug-and-play interfaces that transforms ethernet signals into plug-and-play interface signals, enabling multiple external devices to connect to the internet without network cables or Wi-Fi, using a first ethernet physical unit, media accessing and controlling units, a flow control unit, and plug-and-play interface transforming modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a network communication system provides only one USB interface for connecting external electronic devices, then the connection way becomes convenient, but only one electronic device can connect to the ethernet network through the USB interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single USB interface function into multiple independent interface units (first USB interface unit, second USB interface unit, etc.), each capable of independently connecting to different external electronic devices. This segmentation allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously while maintaining the convenience of USB connectivity for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal connection framework where multiple USB interface units share a common ethernet network connection through the media access controller. Each interface unit can serve different external electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) while all devices access the same network resource, making the system versatile and adaptable to various connection scenarios.
2Reliability
If computers connect to KVM switches using network interfaces, then network communication is enabled, but computers cannot connect if they lack ethernet connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces USB interface units as intermediary connection points between external electronic devices and the ethernet network. Instead of requiring direct ethernet connectors on computers, the USB interfaces act as mediators that translate various USB protocols into ethernet network communication, enabling connectivity for devices without native ethernet ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection interface parameter from requiring ethernet physical connectors to accepting various USB interface types (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.). This parameter change in the connection interface specification allows computers and electronic devices with different connector types to connect to the KVM switch and network system.
3Ease of operation
If a network communication system uses USB-to-Ethernet controller with single MAC, then external devices can connect via USB, but multiple devices cannot share the network connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single MAC function into multiple MAC units (first MAC unit, second MAC unit, etc.), each associated with a specific USB interface unit. This segmentation allows each USB interface to have its own dedicated MAC for network communication, enabling multiple external electronic devices to connect and share the network connection simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements more MAC units than the original single MAC design, providing excess network communication capacity to handle multiple USB-connected devices. This excessive action ensures that each device can establish independent network connections while sharing the overall network resource, improving the system's network sharing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-computers network sharing system having plug-and-play interfaces, comprising: an ethernet physical unit, a media accessing and controlling unit, a flow control unit, a plug-and-play interface transforming module, and a plurality of plug-and-play interfaces. In the multi-computers network sharing system of the present invention, when one of the external electronic devices is connected to any one of the plug-and-play interfaces, the flow control unit transmits the ethernet signal accessed by the first media accessing and controlling unit to the plug-and-play interface transforming module, therefore the plug-and-play interface transforming module transforms the ethernet signal to a plug-and-play interface signal and next transmits the plug-and-play interface signal to the electronic device connected with the plug-and-play interface, such that the electronic device can connect to the Internet without using any network cables or wi-fi devices.