"DATA SWITCH"

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to data switches and adaptors and in particular to data switches and adaptors connected between a computer and the internet.

BACKGROUND

Many homes now have personal computers with connections to the internet. Internet connections allow home users access to the internet and internet services such as news sites, online banking, entertainment and online auction sites. While home users are connected to the internet it is possible for their machines to become infected with malicious software. For example, malicious worms and viruses can be unwittingly downloaded by home users. Intruders can also attempt to gain access to a home user's computer while the user is browsing the internet.

If a user's home computer is infected the computer can be used for purposes that the user has not and would not authorise. For example, the computer could be used to dial overseas phone numbers at great expense to the user. Other examples are software that could store and send keystroke information from the user's keyboard or software that can send spam email. Some software can operate the modem connected to a computer (either internally or externally) to create a connection to the internet that the user is unaware of.

Any computer connected to the internet can be targeted by malicious software. The computer can be connected directly to an internet service provider or can be indirectly connected to the internet via an internal network and gateway to an internet service provider or internet backbone.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a data switch suitable for use between a computer and the internet or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In broad terms in one aspect the invention comprises a data switch comprising a first port adapted for connection to a data source, a second port adapted for connection to an electronic device, and a switch device electrically connected to the first and second ports and having a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein when the switch device is in the first switch position the first port is connected to the second port and when the switch device is in the second switch position the first port is isolated from the second port.

Preferably the switch device is a rocker switch, a rotary switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a thumbwheel switch, an electronic switch or an optical switch.

Preferably the first port is a socket. More preferably the first port is a socket adapted to accept a telephone cable or network cable.

In one embodiment the first port includes a cable extending the between the switch device and the socket.

Preferably the second port is a plug. More preferably the second port is a plug adapted to plug into a computer.

In anodier embodiment the second port includes a cable extending between die switch device and the plug. In yet another embodiment bodi die first and second ports include cables between die switch device and the plug and socket respectively.

In one embodiment the data switch includes an adaptor portion that adapts connection of die first port to diat of die second port. The adaptor portion may be provided either between the switch device and die first port, or between die switch device and die second ■ port.

Preferably die data switch furdier comprises an indicator light connected to die switch device so diat the light is on when the switch device is in die first position and the light is off when die switch device is in die second position. In one embodiment die indicator light is an LED.

In one embodiment the data switch further includes a third port connected to the switch device and adapted for connection with a data storage device. In this embodiment the switch device may further comprise a third position in which the first port is connected to the third port.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises a data switch comprising a first port adapted for connection to a data source, a second port adapted for connection to an electronic device, a third port adapted for connection to a data storage device, and a switch device connected to the first, second and third ports and having a first switch position, a second switch position and a third switch position, wherein when the switch device is in the first switch position the first port is connected to the second port, when the switch device is in the second switch position the first port, the second port, and the third port are isolated from each other, and when the switch device is in the third switch position the first port is connected to the third port.

Preferably the switch device is a rocker switch, a rotary switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a thumbwheel switch, an electronic switch or an optical switch.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises a data switch comprising a first port adapted for connection to a data source, a second port adapted for connection to an electronic device, a third port adapted for connection to a data storage device, and a switch device connected to the first port, the second port and the third port and having a first switch position and a second switch position, wherein when the switch device is in the first switch position the first port is connected to the second port, when the switch device is in the second switch position the first port is isolated from the second port, and the first port is connected to the third port.

Preferably the switch device is a rocker switch, a rotary switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a thumbwheel switch, an electronic switch or an optical switch.

Preferably the first port is a socket. More preferably the first port is a socket adapted to accept a telephone or network cable.

In one embodiment the first port includes a cable extending the between the switch device and the socket.

Preferably the second port is a plug. More preferably the second port is a plug adapted to plug into a computer.

In another embodiment the second port includes a cable extending between the switch device and the plug. In yet another embodiment both the first and second ports include cables between the switch device and the plug and socket.

In one embodiment the data switch includes an adaptor portion that adapts connection of the first port to that of the second port. The adaptor portion may be provided either between the switch device and the first port, or between the switch device and the second port.

Preferably the data switch further comprises an indicator light connected to the switch so that the light is on when the switch device is in the first position and the light is off when the switch device is in the second position. In one embodiment the indicator light is a LED.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described by way of example only and without intending to be limiting with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the data switch of the invention;

Figure 2 is an end view of the first embodiment of the data switch of the invention;

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of rocker switch that forms part of the data switch of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3A shows the rocker switch of Figure 3 in an 'off position.

Figure 3B shows the contacts of the rocker switch and contact pads, of the ports;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the data switch of the invention;

Figure 4A is an end view of the second embodiment of the data switch of the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the data switch of the invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the data switch of the invention;

Figure 7 is a wiring diagram of the second embodiment of the data switch of the invention; . ..

Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the data switch of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a plan view of a circuit board and port of the fifth embodiment of the data switch of the invention; and

Figure 10 shows a fifth sixth embodiment of the data switch of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of data switch of the invention. The data switch includes housing 1, rocker switch 2, first port 3, second port 4 and indicator light 5.

Housing 1 can be any shape suitable for containing rocker switch 2, ports 3 and 4, and wiring between the ports. In most embodiments housing 1 will be substantially rectangular.

Rocker switch 2 is electrically connected to both the first and second ports. In the embodiment of figure 1 rocker switch 2 has two positions, an 'on' position and an 'off position. When the rocker switch is in the 'on' position ports 3 and 4 are electrically connected. When the rocker switch is in the 'off position there is an open circuit between ports 3 and 4. The electrical connection between ports 3 and 4 will comprise at least two wires. More than two wires may be provided depending on the connections required by ports 3 and 4. Rocker switch 2 provides as many wires as required by ports 3 and 4.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, first port 3 is a socket adapted to receive a telephone or network cable. The telephone or network cable is connected to the internet via an internet service provider or any other suitable means. In alternative embodiments

the telephone or network cable may be connected to a data source that is indirectly connected to the internet. Indirect connection may be through a router, hub or other suitable computer or electrical machine. The socket of first port 3 can be any suitable jack. For example first port 3 may be a socket adapted to receive an RJ 45, RJ 11 plug or any other commonly used telephone or network cable plug. Examples of other plugs and sockets that can be used as part of the data switch of the invention include RJ 14 and RJ 12 plugs and sockets and BT plugs and sockets.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, second port 4 is a plug adapted to plug into a socket on a cable, modem or computer. The plug of the second port 4 can be any suitable plug- F° ^r example the plug may be an RJ 45 or RJ 11 plug or any other commonly used telephone or network cable plug. The plug of port 4 is adapted to plug into a cable, modem, or network socket on a computer.

In some embodiments the plug of port 4 is of a type that will fit into the socket of port 3. In other embodiments the switch will also be an adaptor between two different types of connectors. For example, the switch could be an adaptor between a telephone connector and a modem connector. In these embodiments the plug of port 4 is not the same type that will fit the socket of port 3. The adaptor portion of the data switch can be positioned on either side of the rocker switch.

In some embodiments the data switch is provided with indicator light 5. In preferred embodiments indicator light 5 provides an indication when the switch is in the 'on' position and data can flow between ports 3 and 4. When the switch is in the 'off position indicator light 5 is also off. In preferred embodiments indicator light 5 is powered from the cables plugged in to the data switch through ports 3 and 4. Indicator light 5 may be any suitable indicator. In one embodiment indicator light 5 is an LED.

The data switch of the invention can be plugged directly into a telephone socket or telephone adaptor using port 4 and then have the cable between the data switch and computer plugged into port 3. In another embodiment the data switch can be plugged directly into a computer through port 4 with the cable from a network or telephone plugged into port 3. In yet another embodiment the data switch can be positioned

anywhere between the computer and network port with cables on each side of the data switch.

Figure 2 shows one end of the data switch showing port 3 and switch 2.

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of rocker switch that forms part of one embodiment of the data switch of the invention. Rocker switch 2 comprises a switch button 8 that pivots about pivot point 9. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 rocker switch 2 is in the 'on' position. In use the rocker switch is housed in a housing (not shown in Figure 3) that allows the rocker switch to be manually pivoted between the 'on' position and an OfF position.

Rocker switch 2 includes contacts 10. When rocker switch 2 is in the 'on' position, contacts 10 form electrical connections between respective contacts on contact pads 11 and 12. Contact pads 11 and 12 are each connected to a different one of ports 3 and 4.

When rocker switch 2 is in the 'off position (shown in Figure 3A) contacts 10 are spaced apart from contact pads 11 and 12. In the 'off position no electrical connection exists between contact pads 11 and 12.

Figure 3B shows contacts 10 and contact pads 11 and 12 in detail. As shown in Figure 3B each of the contact pads has a plurality of contacts. The number of contacts on the contact pad depends on, and usually corresponds to, the number of wires in the port. For example a switch that connects to an RJ 14 plug will have four wires on each on the contact pads. An RJ 11 plug and socket use only two wires so the contact pads have only two contacts. The contacts on the contact pad are insulated from each other.

The number of contacts 10 on the switch will correspond to the number of contacts on each of the contact pads. When the rocker switch is in the 'on' position contacts 10 provide a respective electrical path between the wires on the contact pads.

In other embodiments rocker switch 2 may have a set number of contacts 10. In these embodiments contact pads 11 and 12 may also have the same set number of contacts. For example six or eight contacts could be provided as the contacts 10 with six or eight contacts on each of contact pads 11 and 12. In this embodiment the wires from ports 3

and 4 are connected to pads 11 and 12 in a predetermined order that ensures when the rocker switch is in the On' position the correct connections are made. For example if the plug and socket are RJ 14 plugs and sockets only four contacts are needed for the switch. If the switch has six contacts available only four, for example the inner four, are used. Care must be taken to ensure the switch is wired correcdy.

The rocker switch may have button dimensions of 25mm length by 10mm width by 15mm depth. The rocker mechanism within the switch may have dimensions of pivot width 1 _. 0mm and diameter 2mm. The contact arm may be 10mm long and 4mm wide. These dimensions are given by way of example only and the actual dimensions may vary.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of data switch of the invention. Figure 4A is an end view of the second embodiment shown in Figure 4. The data switch shown in Figure 4 includes a storage device port 6. The storage device could be a USB storage device or a fϊrewire storage device or any other suitable storage device. Port 6 provides a connection port for the storage device or for a cable that plugs into a storage device. In the embodiment shown in figure 4 the data switch includes a rocker switch with three positions, an 'on' position, an 'off position and a storage position. When the data switch is in the 'on' position data can flow between port 3 and port 4 and there is an open circuit to port 6. When the data switch is in the 'off position there is an open circuit between port 3, port 4 and port 6. When the data switch is in the storage position data can flow between port 3 and port 6 and there are open circuits between ports 3 and 4 and ports 4 and 6. The third position of the data switch allows data to be downloaded from the internet and stored direcdy to a storage device without providing access to the computer.

In this embodiment either one or two indicator lights may be provided. A first indicator ϋght 5 may be used to indicate that the computer has a connection to the internet and the second indicator light (not shown in Figure 4) may be used to indicate that there is a connection between the storage device and the internet.

In preferred embodiments port 6 is provided on the same face on the data switch housing

1 as port 3. In this embodiment if the switch is plugged direcdy into a computer through port 4, the connection to the data storage device extends out from die computer in the

same direction as the data switch. This arrangement means that any storage device will not impede access to any other sockets on the back of the computer.

In another embodiment the data switch may have three ports and the rocker switch may have two positions. In this embodiment the data switch has first and second ports for connection with plugs and sockets between a computer and internet connection and a third port for connection to a storage device. The data switch .includes a two position rocker switch electrically connected to die first, second and third ports. In a first position the rocker switch provides an electrical connection between the first and second ports so that the computer connected to the switch can access die internet. In this position there is an open circuit between the third port and die first port, and between die third port and die second port. When die rocker switch is in the second position diere is an open circuit between die first port and die second port so that die computer connected to die switch cannot access die internet. In diis second rocker switch position diere is an electrical connection between die first port and die third port. This connection allows data to be downloaded from the internet direcdy onto a storage device connected to die diird port. In this embodiment eidier one or two indicator lights may be provided. A first indicator light may be used to indicate diat die computer has a connection to die internet and die second indicator light may be used to indicate diat diere is a connection between the storage device and die internet.

Figure 5 shows anodier embodiment of die data switch of the invention. In die embodiment of figure 5, port 4 is replaced by port 7 which comprises a cable 7A and a plug 7B. Cable 7A extends between die data switch and plug 7B. Cable 7A may be of any lengdi. In die embodiment shown in figure 5 cable 7A is relatively short. The data switch of figure 5 allows die data switch to be positioned further from the computer and may provide easier access for some home users.

Figure 6 shows yet anodier embodiment of die data switch of die invention. In diis embodiment port 3 is replaced by port 8 comprising cable 8A and socket 8B. Port 4 of figure 1 is replaced by port 7 described in more detail with reference to figure 5. Port 8 allows the data switch more flexibility and positioning as the data switch can also be used as an extension cable.

In either of the embodiments in figure 5 or figure 6 an additional port 6 may be provided to an external storage device. In further alternative embodiments additional port 6 (shown in Figure 4) could also be provided as a cable and socket. It should also be noted that in these embodiments the indicator light may or may not be provided.

Figure 7 shows a simplified wiring diagram of die data switch. In die data switch 'off position diere is an open circuit between ports 3 and 4. In the data switch 'on' position there is a closed circuit between ports 3 and 4 allowing data to flow between these ports. In the 'on' position, if an indicator light is provided, the indicator light is also on. In the third position data can flow from port 3 to port 6. In a further alternative embodiment a second indicator light may be provided so that when data can flow from port 3 to port 6 this second indicator light is on. . ..

Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the data switch of the invention providing an alternative solution for managing downloads. This data switch has a two-position rocker switch device 21. When the rocker switch is in the open or 'off position, shown in Figure 8, the data switch provides a connection between the internet via a telephone network connected to first port 22 and a storage device connected to a second port 23 while keeping a computer connected to a third port 24 disconnected and isolated from the internet.

When the rocker switch device 21 is in the closed or 'on' position, not shown, the data switch provides a connection between the computer connected to the third port 24 and the internet connected via the telephone network to first port 22, and between the computer and the data storage device connected to the second port 23.

The data switch of this fifth embodiment includes firmware in die form of the microcontroller and/or memory chip 25 with embedded software for the purpose of managing active or scheduled downloads in the absence of any external storage-based download management program.

Figure 9 shows the microcontroller/memory chip 25 of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 8. The microcontroller/memory chip 25 is mounted on a small circuit board 26 with associated circuitry. The microcontroller/memory chip is located and connected

between the first port 22 and the second port 23. The circuit board 26 measures 10mm by 20mm and is mounted within the switch housing. In a preferred arrangement, the first port 22 is an ethernet port for connection to a telephone network, and the second port 23 is a USB port fixed directly to the circuit board. Contact pads 27 on the circuit board provide contacts for the rocker switch device 21.

Figure 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the data switch of the. invention providing an alternative solution for managing downloads. This data switch has a rocker switch device 31. When the rocker switch device is in a first position, shown in Figure 10, the data switch provides a connection, through the rocker switch device 31, between the internet connected, for example via a telephone network, to first port 32 and a computer connected to a third port 34, while keeping a storage device connected to a second port 33 disconnected and isolated from the internet and the computer.

When the rocker switch device 31 is in a second position, not shown, the data switch provides a connection between the internet connected via the telephone network to first port 32 and the data storage device connected to the second port 33, while keeping the computer connected to the third port 34 disconnected and isolated from both the internet and the computer. . ..

The rocker switch device 31 of the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 10 may optionally have a third intermediate switch position, not shown. When the rocker switch device is in the third position the data switch disconnects and isolates the internet connected via the telephone network to first port 32, the computer connected to third port 34, and the storage device connected to the second port 33 from each other.

The data switch of this sixth embodiment includes firmware in the form of the microcontroller and/or memory chip 35 with embedded software for the purpose of managing active or scheduled downloads in the absence of any external storage-based download management program.

Although download management software can be installed on USB flash drives and is present and readily configurable in the operating systems of Network Attached Storage

(NAS) devices, no such capability is available with an external hard drive. Furthermore, USB flash drives can easily be lost or damaged rendering them unusable.

The firmware of the fifth and sixth embodiments is composed from microcode based on an interpreted programming language so that it is compatible with a number of different operating systems (for example, Linux and Mac OS). The firmware consists of a program which lists and controls a number of different factors and variables related to the downloading of files and other material. The program uses File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or any other suitable rule for managing downloads.

The program provides a simple graphical user interface which can be accessed and configured through a web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox). The web browser also provides the user interface for entering information needed for managing downloads. In order to access the program through a web browser, the switch would need its own Internet Protocol (IP) address (expressed in the standard numerical format "0.0.0.0"). Alternatively, die switch can use a word as part of a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) address for access. The address can be included in the firmware.

The microcontroller or portion of the memory chip on which the firmware is installed is non-volatile Read Only Memory (ROM) that cannot be inadvertently altered or written over. The memory chip, or the portion of a memory chip that could be written to, stores any information that is required for downloading such as the names and IP addresses of websites from which files could be downloaded as well as names and types of files and the times at which they are to be downloaded. The user enters any other necessary details.

In the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 8, the download function of the firmware program runs when the rocker switch device 21 is in the 'off position, disconnecting the flow of data from die internet/network to the computer. With the computer thus offline, the microcontroller 25 directs any scheduled files or data to the storage device connected to the second port 23. The microcontroller determines when the rocker switch device is open or closed by sending a signal to, or "pinging", the computer connected to the third port 24. In the absence of any response from die computer, the microcontroller diverts

any files or other data received from the internet, connected to the first port 22, to the storage device, connected to the second port 23.

When the rocker switch device 21 is turned back to the 'on' position, the user can then transfer any files or data from the storage device, connected to the second port 23, to the computer, connected to third port 24.

In an alternative to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the switch device 21 is replaced with a three position switch device. One switch position provides for connection between the internet and a data storage device while isolating a computer from the internet. A second switch position provides for connection between the internet and the computer while isolating the data storage device from the internet and the computer. The third switch position provides for isolation of the internet, the data storage device and the computer from each other. This alternative incorporates a microcontroller/memory chip in a manner as described above in relation to the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9. .

In the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 10, the download function of the firmware program runs when the rocker switch device 31 is in the second position, disconnecting the flow of data from the internet/network to the computer. With the computer thus offline, the microcontroller 35 directs any scheduled files or data received from the internet to the storage device connected to the second port 33.

An RJ-I l version of the data switch provides for dial-up internet connections and has a microcontroller/memory chip with firmware that automatically re-dials a connection when the rocker switch device is turned to the 'on' position. In a previously-known direct computer-to-network connection using dial-up, the dial-up function is usually managed through the operating system of the computer. By including this function with the data switch of the invention, a connection can be independently discontinued or re-established without the need to do this manually via the desktop or through any application that manages internet and network connections.

The firmware includes a program that allows certain details to be configured according to the users needs. These details can include the numbers that can be dialled to establish a

connection if the user has more than one, for example. The program provides a user interface that can be accessed through a web browser. Configuration of the program can be achieved through this interface. As with the download management firmware feature, the program would use an IP of HTTP address to access the interface.

The dial-up feature can be deployed in conjunction with the download management firmware program described previously. The microcontroller program would maintain an internet connection when the switch is turned off so that files and data can still be downloaded.

In use, the data switch is placed between the telephone or network line and the data input line on a computer or modem. In most home computers this will be the modem input.

When the user wants to connect to the internet they switch the rocker switch into the 'on' position. The user can then connect to the internet and download any material or browse the internet. Once the user has finished using the internet they can switch the rocker switch to the 'off position. This prevents any malicious programs that may, be present on the user's computer from accessing the internet when the user is not using the internet. If the user wishes to download a large amount of data, for example a series of images or a software update, the user can switch the rocker switch into the third position and download software onto a storage device plugged into port 6. The user can later plug the storage device into the computer and download data from the storage device. This system allows the user to download software or other data without risk of a malicious program on the user's computer taking advantage of the user being connected to the internet.

In a business situation the switch could be placed between the internet connection and a server that the business runs. In this situation when the switch is in the 'off position there is no access between the business server and the internet. In other situations a plurality of switches may be used. The switches could be positioned between each employee's computer and the network connection so that each user can shut off access between the internet and the employee's computer. In yet other situations one or more switches may be provided in suitable locations between a server connected to the internet and employee's computers. The switches can be positioned such diat each user does not

need to operate their own switch but also such that the server is always able to be connected to the internet. This situation allows web pages or other material hosted on the server to always be available on the internet while providing security to the individual computers used by the businesses' employees.

The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated in die scope hereof. For example, the rocker switch may be substituted by any suitable switch such as a rotary switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a' thumbwheel switch, an electronic switch or an optical switch, without departing from the invention.

It is to be understood that die connections described in the embodiments above as electrical connections between respective ports, can be made by other data communication means. For example, optical signals may be coupled to die ports and the switch device may make optical connection between die respective ports to permit optical data flow between the ports when the switch is on, but isolate die respective ports and thus prevent optical data flow between die ports when the switch device is off. These optical connections may be made by an optical fibre or fibres, for example.