FIREWALL SWITCHING SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

• US 20050076121A1
• Filed: 10/01/2003
• Published: 04/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: SBC Knowledge Ventures LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Sullivan, Marc A., Kortum, Philip
• Granted Patent: US 7,565,430 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/225
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0209 Architectural arrangements, e.g. perimeter networks or demilitarized zones
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/20 for managing network security; network security policies in general filtering policies H04L63/0227

Abstract

A material content setting adjustment system (10) includes a computer (16) and an interface (14). The interface (14) facilitates communication between the computer (16) and a network (18). An interface mode adjustment switch (12) has multiple physical operating mode positions. A controller (30) is coupled to the interface mode adjustment switch (12). The controller (30) selectively determines passage of material content between the computer (16) and the interface (14) in response to position of the interface mode adjustment switch (12).

Claims

1. A material content setting adjustment system comprising:

at least one computer;

at least one interface facilitating communication between said at least one computer and a network;

at least one interface mode adjustment switch having a plurality of physical operating mode positions; and

a controller coupled to said at least one physical interface mode adjustment switch and selectively determining passage of material content between said at least one computer and said at least one interface in response to position of said at least one interface mode adjustment switch.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one interface is an interface selected from at least one of a gateway, a hub, a high-speed communication interface, and a router.

3. A system as in claim 1 wherein said controller is contained at least partially within said at least one computer.

4. A system as in claim 1 wherein said controller is contained at least partially within said at least one interface.

5. A system as in claim 1 wherein said plurality of operating mode positions correspond with a plurality of operating modes of said controller.

6. A system as in claim 1 wherein said controller has a plurality of operating modes that comprise modes selected from at least two of a blocking mode, a learning mode, a partially blocking mode, and a non-blocking mode.

7. A system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one interface mode adjustment switch has a firewall activated position and a firewall deactivated position.

8. A system as in claim 1 wherein said interface is coupled to said network via a connection selected from at least one of a high-speed communication connection, a digital subscriber line connection, a communications-unity antenna television connection, a satellite connection, a wireless connection, a broadband cable connection, analog connection, and an Internet connection.

9. A system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one interface mode adjustment switch is a switch selected from at least one of a toggle switch, a rotary switch, a push button switch, a rocker switch, a slide switch, and a keylock switch.

10. A system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one interface mode adjustment switch is hardware-based.

11. A system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one interface mode adjustment switch is mounted in at least one of said at least one computer, said at least one interface, and at least one housing.

12. A material content setting adjustment system comprising:

at least one computer;

at least one interface facilitating communication between said at least one computer and a network;

at least one interface mode adjustment switch having a plurality of operating mode selections comprising a learning mode selection; and

a controller coupled to said at least one interface mode adjustment switch, having a plurality of operating mode selections, and selectively determining passage of material content between said at least one computer and said at least one interface in response to said plurality of operating mode selections.

13. A system as in claim 12 wherein said at least one interface mode adjustment switch is software actuated.

14. A system as in claim 12 wherein said plurality of operating mode positions have an onscreen representation.

15. A system as in claim 12 wherein status of said at least one interface mode adjustment switch is continuously shown on said at least one computer desktop.

16. A method of adjusting passage of material content within a communication system comprising:

facilitating communication between at least one computer and a network via at least one interface;

selecting a material content passage operating mode via at least one physical interface mode adjustment switch; and

determining passage of material content between said at least one computer and said at least one interface in response to said selected material content passage operating mode.

17. A method as in claim 16 further comprising:

selecting a learning mode; and

learning allowable material content.

18. A method as in claim 17 wherein learning allowable material content comprises operating in a non-blocking mode or a partially blocking mode.

19. A method as in claim 17 wherein learning allowable material content is performed for a predetermined length of time.

20. A method as in claim 16 further comprising operating in at least one mode selected from a blocking mode, a learning mode, and a non-blocking mode.