Abstract: A method of operating a gateway to at least two distinct data communications networks at least one network being a wireless local are network including a plurality of stationary LAN base stations and a plurality of mobile computer units, each of the mobile units being capable of communicating with at least one base station when located within a predetermined range therefrom and being normally associated with an in communications with such base station, by (a) establishing communication and association between a first mobile unit and a first LAN base station; and (b) activating an authentication mode of operation in both the first mobile unit and the first LAN base station. The next steps include (c) authenticating the first mobile unit; (d) establishing a first communications channel with a remote station from the mobile unit through the gateway; and (e) determining in the gateway that communications between the remote station and the mobile unit on the wireless local area network has been impeded.

Abstract: A portable bar code reading terminal includes an ASIC having circuitry for both a laser scanner and an imager. The terminal also includes a data blender for distributing data from multiple sources to multiple destinations based on the type and/or content of the data. The ASIC further provides circuitry for at least one of the following functions: power management, wake up control and power down, critical suspend shutdown, warm and cold boot functions, serial ports, matrix keyboard scanning, analog converters, touch panel, modular memory IDE interface, imaging support, finger print reader, USB host, and a magnetic stripe interface.