Personal computer system combined with an adapter for networks having varying characteristics, and adapter for coupling a personal computer to such networks

摘要

This invention relates to the adaptation of personal computers to communication through external networks, and more particularly to the ready adaptation of such computers to networks of varying characteristics, such as telecommunications networks located in various countries of the world. The adapter has first and second controllable digital/analog convertors for exchanging signals with a digital signal processor of the computer and controllable by a bus interface controller of the computer for converting signals between digital and analog forms. The adapter also has first and second connectors of the type required by the particular external network, coupled to the convertors for exchanging signals with the external network and for exchanging signals with an external device such as a telephone set.