Abstract: A home network system including a protocol converter for converting protocols such that a passive home appliance and a home server connected to a network smoothly communicate signals based on different protocols with each other and a method for operating the home network system. The protocol converter converts a status information signal based on a home appliance protocol from the passive home appliance to transmit it to the home server. The protocol converter converts a control signal based on a home server protocol from the home server to transmit it to the passive home appliance. Therefore, the home server can be compatible with the passive home appliance irrespective of manufacturer and/or protocol of the passive home appliance connected to the network. Compatibility and applicability of the home network system are thus extended and simultaneously the home network system becomes more cost-effective.

Abstract: A home appliance data transfer system and a method for controlling the same, wherein a Java phone is connected to a home appliance via their serial ports to transmit and receive data to/from the home appliance. Control data that a user desires to input to the home appliance can be transferred to the appliance under the condition that no IP address is set in the appliance. A Java application of the Java phone supports a transfer application which converts data according to a data transfer standard of the Java phone and home appliance. Therefore, the home appliance and Java phone can transmit and receive data without collision and the user can conveniently input data to the home appliance.