Interface for multiplexing and reformatting information transfer between device driver programs and a network application program which only accepts information in a predetermined format

摘要

A dedicated network expansion unit includes a processor and a dedicated hard disk drive, and has two bays which each can receive one of a further hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, and a tape drive. The unit has no manual input mechanism, and no display for text or graphics. The unit can be connected to one or more communications link through Ethernet connectors, a PCMCIA modem card, a PCMCIA token ring card, or a parallel connector. Following power-up or a reset, the unit automatically detects the types of devices present and the types of communications link connected to it, and automatically configures its software to operate properly with these devices and links, without user interaction. Special software routines are provided for the unit and a remote computer to permit a conventional backup program in the remote computer to effect a backup operation within the expansion unit using ASPI commands. A further program effects a software interface between at least two communications link and a conventional network driver program designed to communicate with a single network.