Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wide area network platform for use in conjunction with multiple distinct bus applications. The wide area network platform may include a hardware module for connection with system hardware, the hardware module including a universal serial bus interface and a wide area network interface. The hardware module is operable with multiple distinct bus applications. The platform may further include a universal device driver for interfacing with an operating system and with the system hardware and operating transparently through the multiple distinct bus applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a flexible protocol engine for operation with multiple communication protocols. The flexible protocol engine may include a programmable protocol processor operable to process data by implementing a selected technique, the selected technique selectable from multiple selectable techniques. Each of the multiple selectable techniques may correspond to a distinct communication protocol. The flexible protocol engine may also include a first interfacing component operatively connecting the programmable protocol processor to a transceiver device and a second interfacing component operatively connecting the programmable protocol processor with a host device.