ADAPTER FOR CONNECTING A COMPUTER SYSTEM TO A COMPUTER NETWORK

摘要

A network interface (12) independent of the computer system allows the user's computer system to connect (46) to a network without the recurring cost and requirement of a network adapter directly installed in the user's computer system. The present adaptation of the invention combines two standard computer interfaces into a single external unit able to automatically switch between an Ethernet (16) or USB (14) interface without the necessity of an external power source. When a connection is made between the PC's USB port and the current invention, USB-to-Ethernet conversion (32) is accomplished. When the USB connection is removed, a direct connection may be made between the legacy Ethernet port of the user's PC and the computer network. When a new computer is procured the network controller internal to the computer system is not necessary, if a transceiver type on the computer system is supported by the invention's installed implementation.