| 摘要 |
<p>A terminal server (20) for providing communication between a host computer and a synchronous, asynchronous or parallel communications port across a general purpose network (10) is provided utilizing a unique device driver interface and multiplexing communication protocol. The server (20) communicates data and control commands for multiple ports (40) on a single connection, thereby reducing demands on the network (10). In addition, genuine TTY devices are made available across the general purpose network which have all the characteristics of local communication ports. The present invention also makes possible access to the ports (40) on the server (20) to multiple host computers located on the network (10), allowing fair access to shared resources such as modems and printers. Finally, the invention can also be implemented in hardware, further increasing compatibility with existing host computer software and further reducing host computer overhead.</p> |
