Apparatus providing connectivity between devices attached to different interfaces of the apparatus

摘要

A communications interface is provided for apparatus such as a desktop computer or printer. The communications interface provides both for connection to a network and connection to a local device that may be a portable computer, the two connections operating according to different protocol schemes. The communications interface permits the local device to communicate both with the main processing functionality of the apparatus and with the network. By providing standby power to the communications interface when the apparatus is switched off, the local device can continue to communicate with remote devices over the network even when the apparatus is off.