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Apparatus and method for combining high bandwidth and low bandwidth data transfer

  • US 5,608,446 A
  • Filed: 05/09/1995
  • Issued: 03/04/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Interactive apparatus for providing a user access to remote data, the apparatus comprising:

  • a low bandwidth network;

    a high bandwidth network;

    a data source for the remote data, the source being accessible via both the low bandwidth network and the high bandwidth network;

    user access means for receiving the remote data;

    coupling means for coupling the user access means to the data source, the coupling means includinghigh bandwidth coupling means for coupling the user access means to the data source via the high bandwidth network andlow bandwidth coupling means for coupling the user access means to the data source via the low bandwidth network; and

    coupling control means coupled to the user access means via the low bandwidth network and to the coupling means for responding to a first access command by causing the low bandwidth coupling means to bidirectionally couple the user access means to the source via the low bandwidth network and to a second access command by causing the high bandwidth coupling means to unidirectionally couple the user access means to the source via the high bandwidth network.

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