Abstract: A switching device and software therefor are provided to permit two devices connected to the switching device to be interconnected into four different interconnected modes of operation. The devices may be intended for parallel output COM port connection with the computer and the device is controlled from the serial output COM port of the computer using control lines of the serial output COM port to provide switch signals on two of those output lines to, in turn, provide four switching signals for the respective four possible interconnected modes of operation.

Abstract: A switching device and software therefor are provided to permit two devices connected to the switching device to be interconnected into four different interconnected modes of operation. The devices may be intended for parallel output COM port connection with the computer and the device is controlled from the serial output COM port of the computer using control lines of the serial output COM port to provide switch signals on two of those output lines to, in turn, provide four switching signals for the respective four possible interconnected modes of operation.

Abstract: A modem device for connecting with a facsimile transceiver and a computer, and with a telephone network is disclosed. The device has two modes of operation: a computer mode where the computer can communicate with the telephone network and also receive calls from the facsimile transceiver, and a facsimile machine mode where the facsimile machine can communicate with the telephone network and receive calls from the computer. The device also has a memory or buffer so that for outgoing calls, the facsimile transceiver can send the facsimile data thereto at a local facsimile rate whereupon it can be relayed to the telephone network at a remote facsimile rate higher than the local rate and incoming calls, to receive the facsimile data thereto at a remote facsimile rate whereupon it can be relayed to the facsimile transceiver at the local facsimile rate, the relaying being at the same time as the sending or receiving of the facsimile data. This procedure can save call time on the telephone network.