Abstract: A user configurable, modular port expansion system allows the user of a host system such as a USB-enabled personal computer to customize a desired configuration of one or more peripheral device modules without the use of cables between modules. The peripheral device modules are physically and electrically connectable to each other side-by-side between a hub end module and a power end module in any sequence so that there can be provided, within the limits of the host port specification, virtually any number of selected, expanded functions in any combination. The peripheral device modules may include, by way of example, a standard parallel DB-25 port module, a two-port serial PS/2 module, a two-port serial DB-9 module, a four- or seven-port USB hub, an RJ-11 Ethernet LAN module, and an RJ-11 modem module.

Abstract: A user configurable, modular port expansion system allows the user of a host system such as a USB-enabled personal computer to customize a desired configuration of one or more peripheral device modules without the use of cables between modules. The peripheral device modules are physically and electrically connectable to each other side-by-side between a hub end module and a power end module in any sequence so that there can be provided, within the limits of the host port specification, virtually any number of selected, expanded functions in any combination. The peripheral device modules may include, by way of example, a standard parallel DB-25 port module, a two-port serial PS/2 module, a two-port serial DB-9 module, a four- or seven-port USB hub, an RJ-11 Ethernet LAN module, and an RJ-11 modem module.

Abstract: A user configurable, modular port expansion system allows the user of a host system such as a USB-enabled personal computer to customize a desired configuration of one or more peripheral device modules without the use of cables between modules. The peripheral device modules are physically and electrically connectable to each other side-by-side between a hub end module and a power end module in any sequence so that there can be provided, within the limits of the host port specification, virtually any number of selected, expanded functions in any combination. The peripheral device modules may include, by way of example, a standard parallel DB-25 port module, a two-port serial PS/2 module, a two-port serial DB-9 module, a four- or seven-port USB hub, an RJ-11 Ethernet LAN module, and an RJ-11 modem module.

Abstract: A method of bootstrapping executable code to a microprocessor controller from a personal computer (PC) via a bidirectional interface, e.g., a standard PC parallel port comprised of an external 25-pin D-shell connector. By bootstrapping its code from the PC, the microprocessor controller, which controls an adapter, e.g., a modem adapter, coupled to the PC is able to retrieve the most current version of the code stored in the PC.

Abstract: A method of bootstrapping executable code to a microprocessor controller from a personal computer (PC) via a bidirectional interface, e.g., a standard PC parallel port comprised of an external 25-pin D-shell connector. By bootstrapping its code from the PC, the microprocessor controller, which controls an adapter, e.g., a modem adapter, coupled to the PC is able to retrieve the most current version of code stored in the PC.

Abstract: A modem adapter for use with a standard parallel port of a personal computer (PC) for interfacing to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The modem adapter accepts digital data, eight bits at a time, from a standard PC parallel port and modulates this digital data into an analog format, compatible with the PSTN. Conversely, the modem adapter accepts analog data from the PSTN and converts it into digital data and transfers this data to the parallel port, at least four bits at a time. The modem adapter of the present invention thus neither requires any additional circuit cards in the PC's card slots nor dedication of any of the existing serial ports. Redirector software intercepts software I/O instructions directed toward a serial I/O port and redirects and reformats these instructions to the modem adapter through the parallel port. This redirection permits existing modem control software to be used without modification with the modem adapter of the present invention.