Abstract: A computer docking system comprises a computer device configured to be communicatively coupled to a dock, the computer device and the dock each comprising a processor. The system also comprises a switching fabric configured to enable the processor of the dock to access at least one resource of the computer device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for allowing a plurality of network connectors to utilize a single network controller within a docking station or portable device. A switching device connects the plurality of network connectors with the network controller. By connecting the network connectors into the switching device, the docking station and the portable device require a single network controller to handle the network communication. The switching device enables the network controller to continue to operate without disrupting the portable device when the network connection is changed from the docking station to the portable device or vice versa. The method and apparatus are useful in reducing the complexity of the total system while increasing functionality.

Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device senses the position of the electronic device and provides an electronically-generated feedback signal to a user indicating whether the device and the docking station are in proper alignment for docking. The sensing may optionally be accomplished by electrical contacts or may optionally be accomplished by sensing a magnetic field using a Hall effect sensor. The feedback signal may be visible or may be audible. The feedback signal may provide instructions to the user indicating which direction one of the components should be moved to achieve proper alignment. A simple backstop arrangement may provide proper alignment in one axis, while the feedback signal provides information about the alignment in a second axis, preferably generally orthogonal to the first. The electronic device may be a laptop portable computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for allowing a plurality of network connectors to utilize a single network controller within a docking station or portable device. A switching device connects the plurality of network connectors with the network controller. By connecting the network connectors into the switching device, the docking station and the portable device require a single network controller to handle the network communication. The switching device enables the network controller to continue to operate without disrupting the portable device when the network connection is changed from the docking station to the portable device or vice versa. The method and apparatus are useful in reducing the complexity of the total system while increasing functionality.

Abstract: A portable computer and replicator particularly suited for use in a network environment are disclosed. The portable computer has a digital network controller located therein and adapted to receive digital network signals from an external connector. The replicator is located external to the portable computer and has an analog network circuit adapted to receive analog signals from a network and deliver corresponding digital network signals to the external connector on the portable computer to provide a high-bandwidth network connection.

Abstract: Received portion of message is stored persistently and transmitted without awaiting receipt of another portion of the message and without generating a new message. The storing and transmitting can occur substantially simultaneously and be performed by one or more hardware elements. Originator of the message can choose whether to indicate indication of broadcasting of the message. First hardware element can determine local acknowledgement for message and second hardware element can determine determinative signal of the local acknowledgement and at least one of: one or more collected intended recipient acknowledgements for the message; and one or more collected determinative signals of intended recipient acknowledgements for the message.