Apparatus for bridging two or more data communications interfaces

摘要

An apparatus is provided for bridging two or more data communications interfaces. The apparatus includes a powered enclosure for receiving and powering one or more storage devices and one or more computing devices and provides a first data communications interface connecting the one or more storage devices to the one or more computing devices. One or more computing devices are also provided for use within the enclosure, each device comprising a controller for communicating with the one or more storage devices via the communications interface provided by the powered enclosure. The computing devices also include a controller for enabling communications via second data communications interface, and a bridging component for providing a bridge between the interface provided by the enclosure and the second interface. The second interface may be connected to an external bus or an external network.