WO2006079053A2

WO2006079053A2 - Secure network cable switch apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006079053A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/002400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Parker
Original assignee: Parker, Donald
Priority date: 2005-01-24
Filing date: 2006-01-24
Publication date: 2006-07-27
Also published as: WO2006079053A3

Abstract

An object of the invention is to provide a secure network cable switch apparatus (10) connected inline between a personal computing device (11) and a network source (15) to secure the personal computing device (11) from cyber attack from the network source (15). The secure network cable switch apparatus (10) is comprised of a network conductor unit portion which includes a plurality of network conductors. A pair of cable-to- switch conductors (17,18) is connected to a selected network conductor (60) at a pair of inline switch- conductor-to-network- conductor connections (19, 20) which are inline in the selected network conductor (60) at a cable- to- conductor connection location adjacent to the network conductor unit portion. Means are provided for inline switching, e. g. a manualIy- operated single-pole- single- throw switch (23) , and are connected inline to the pair of cable-to-switch conductors (17,18) at a switch-to- conductor connection location which is remote from the cable -to- conductor connection location.

Description

SECURE NETWORK CABLE SWITCH APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority based upon copending United States Provisional Application Serial No . 60/593 , 543 , filed 24 January 2005.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for preventing unwanted communication between a personal computing device and a network source . More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus which has a manually-operated switch for selectively permitting or preventing communication between the personal computing device and the network source .

Background Art Since the advent of broadband network (e . g .

Internet) service, personal computing devices are often left in an always-on condition . Being always-on, the personal computing devices are susceptible from unauthorized entry or attack, such as by hacking, by way of the network source .

Some software products are intended to prevent unauthorized entry and attack on the personal computing device . Such software products include firewalls (e . g . Microsoft firewall built into operating system, McAfee firewall , and Norton firewall) , anti-virus programs (e . g . McAfee antivirus and Norton antivirus) , and intrusion detection and prevention programs (e . g . Entercept) .

However, software products themselves , which are used by the personal computing device, are potentially subj ect to software attack and hacking. In this respect , such software may be specifically targetted by hackers .

Makers of software products often provide updates or patches to protect against recently uncovered and countered threats . However, there is often a time lag between discovery of the attack and the remedy figured out and provided for the attack . During this time lag, significant damage can be done to a personal computing device . In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a hardware device that prevents unwanted communication between a personal computing device and a network source in an always-on broadband network connection.

Even though a personal computing device is in an always-on condition, the personal computing device is not always in use by the user . For long periods of the time, the personal computing device is left alone and unattended by the user. Such long periods of time include sleeping and working away from the personal computing device . Therefore, it would be desirable if a user could manually control an on/off switch which would switch off communication between the personal computing device and the network source for times when the user decides to be away from the personal computing device .

In a standard network cable (such as an Industry Standard Cable or Twisted Pair Cable, e . g . Category 5 or CAT 5 cable) , there are eight network conductor wires in the network cable . The eight network conductor wires are present in four twisted pairs of network conductor wires . More specifically, a first twisted pair includes a solid green network conductor wire and a white-green striped network conductor wire Such a standard network cable would typically have a first cable connector and a second cable connector . Typically, the first cable connector and the second cable connector are RJ45 connectors .

A second twisted pair includes a solid orange network conductor wire and a white-orange striped network conductor wire .

A third twisted pair includes a solid brown network conductor wire and a white-brown striped network conductor wire . A fourth twisted pair includes a solid blue network conductor wire and a white-blue striped network conductor wire . Of the eight network conductor wires, only two pair, that is four network conductor wires are used for data transmission and data reception . The other two pair, four other network conductor wires are not used. Of the four network conductor wires that are used, two are for data sending (one positive and one negative) , and two are for data receiving (one positive and one negative) .

Turning to published disclosures of hardware devices for preventing unwanted communication between a personal computing device and a network source, the following U. S . patent documents disclose manually operated switching devices for breaking communication between a personal computing device and a network source : 5 , 661 , 786 Horn

6 , 660 , 950 Fonseca 6 , 748, 542 Box 2005/0123113 Horn

Horn (5 , 661 , 786) discloses an electronic information lockout device . More specifically, a lockout system manually moves couplers into and out from coupler receptors . This device is operated by a key. All conductors in a network cable are connected to each coupler. If this type of lockout device were installed at a location remote from a personal computing device, such as next to a computer monitor, then all eight network conductors have to be extended to the remote location . Since only one data conductor, out of the eight network conductors discussed above, need be blocked or opened to prevent unwanted communication between the personal computing device and the network source, it would be desirable if only a pair of switch conductors could extend away from the network cable to connect with a switch that is remotely located away from the network cable . Having only two, instead of eight conductors extending to a remote location away from the network cable results in a considerable economy in conductor costs . Another aspect of Horn (5 , 661, 786) worthy of discussion is the fact that a key is employed to control a network conductor switch . Keys can be lost or misplaced . Moreover, keys are objects which must be handled and operated precisely. The key must be precisely inserted into the corresponding lock. For some people suffering from various disabilities , precise use of a key my be difficult . In this respect, it would be desirable if a manualIy-operated device were provided for breaking communication between a personal computing device and a network source that does not require insertion of a key for proper operation .

Fonseca (6 , 660 , 950) discloses a data line switch in which a push/pull lever moves a male/female plug of a network cable from a connect to a disconnect mode . This device requires a precise alignment between male and female plugs and precise translation of male or female plugs along a properly aligned path . Such precisely alignment components and translation thereof require substantially complex effort to align and construct . In this respect, it would be desirable if a manualIy-operated device were provided for breaking communication between a personal computing device and a network source that does not require the construction and translation of precisely aligned male and female connectors for a network cable .

Box (6 , 748 , 542) discloses a timed disconnect switch for data and telephone circuits . This patent discloses a switch box that contains a timer . The switch box has complimentary connectors for connecting to connectors for a data or telephone line . The timer is programmable by the user . For a user, predetermined times for use and non-use of the communication between a personal computing device and a network source may be difficult to determine . Moreover, an originally planned time frame may have to be changed due to changing circumstances . Moreover, once the timer is set , the timer automatically breaks the connection between the a personal computing device and a network source . In this respect, the ability of the user to manually break communication between a personal computing device and a network source is impeded . Rather than being constrained by predetermined times , which may have to be changed, it would be desirable if a manualIy-operated device were provided for breaking communication between a personal computing device and a network source that does not require setting a timer to predetermined time periods .

Horn (2005/0123113 ) discloses an Internet lockout device that includes an electrically operated relay that may be controlled in a number of ways which include : a key; a lock controller; a telephone-enabled lock controller; or a Web-based control signal . Many of the considerations discussed above in relation to Horn (5 , 661 , 786) apply equally as well to this published patent .

As a matter of interest , another patent, U. S . Patent No . 5 , 434, 562 of Reardon is worthy of note . More specifically, Reardon (5 , 434 , 562 ) discloses a method for limiting computer access to peripheral devices , such as a mass storage device . As shown in Reardon FIG. 1 , switch 53 is in a power interception circuit between a host computer' s CPU and a peripheral mass storage device . Such a method is highly invasive of a personal computing device . In this respect, it would be desirable if a manualIy-operated device were provided for breaking communication between a personal computing device and a network source that does not require invasion of the personal computing device for installation of the manually-operated device .

Thus , while the foregoing body of published disclosures indicates it to be well known to use a manually-operated switching device between a personal computing device and a network source, the published disclosures described above do not teach or suggest a secure network cable switch apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features : (1) provides a hardware device that prevents unwanted communication between a personal computing device and a network source in an always-on broadband network connection; (2) provides manual control by a user of an on/off switch which would switch off communication between the personal computing device and the network source for times when the user decides to be away from the personal computing device; (3 ) employs only a pair of switch conductors which can extend away from the network cable to connect with a switch that is remotely located away from the network cable ; (4) does not require insertion of a key for proper operation; (5) does not require the construction and translation of precisely aligned male and female connectors for a network cable; (6) does not require setting a timer to predetermined time periods ; and (7) does not require invasion of the personal computing device for installation of the device . The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique secure network cable switch apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from- the following description thereof . Other advantages of the present invention over the published disclosures also will be rendered evident .

Disclosure of Invention

An obj ect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus which provides a hardware device that prevents unwanted communication between a personal computing device and a network source in an always-on broadband network connection .

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus that provides manual control by a user of an on/off switch which would switch off communication between the personal computing device and the network source for times when the user decides to be away from the personal computing device .

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus in which desirable only a pair of switch conductors can extend away from the network cable to connect with a switch that is remotely located away from the network cable . Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus that does not require insertion of a key for proper operation .

Still a further obj ect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus which does not require the construction and translation of precisely aligned male and female connectors for a network cable .

Yet another obj ect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus that does not require setting a timer to predetermined time periods .

Still another obj ect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus which does not require invasion of the personal computing device .

These together with still other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure . For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific obj ects attained by its uses , reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention .

In summary, a secure network cable switch apparatus is comprised of a network conductor unit portion which includes a plurality of network conductors . A pair of cable-to-switch conductors is connected to a selected network conductor at a pair of inline switch-conductor-to- network-conductor connections which are inline in the selected network conductor at a cable-to-conductor connection location adjacent to the network conductor unit portion. Means are provided for inline switching, e . g. a manualIy-operated single-pole-single-throw switch, and are connected inline to the pair of cable-to-switch conductors at a switch-to-conductor connection location which is remote from the cable-to-conductor connection location. The secure network cable switch apparatus keeps a personal computing device secure from cyber attack by breaking a connection between a personal computing device and a network source in the selected network conductor .

Most commonly, the network conductor unit portion is a network cable portion which includes a first cable portion connector, a second cable portion connector, and a middle cable portion located between the first cable portion connector and the second cable portion connector .

Preferably, the network cable portion is a flexible network cable portion that includes a plurality of flexible network conductors . Preferably, the cable-to- switch conductors are flexible cable-to-switch conductors , and the means® for inline switching are housed in a switch box which is remote from the cable-to-conductor connection location.

Most commonly, the flexible network conductors are network conductor wires , and the flexible cable-to-switch conductors are flexible cable-to-switch wires which include a first cable-to-switch wire and a second cable- to-switch wire .

Preferably, the cable-to-switch wires are fitted into a switch-conductor plug, and the means® for inline switching include a complementary switch-conductor-plug reception j ack for receiving the switch-conductor plug .

Often, the means® for inline switching includes a manually-operated switch.

Also, the means® for inline switching can include an automatically-operated switch .

Also, the means® for inline switching can include both a manually-operated switch and an automatically- operated switch . Automatically-responsive conditions that are sensed by an automatically-operated switch unit can be a wide variety of conditions , which include motion detection of a user, proximity detection of a user, the weight of person on a chair, an operator-controlled timer, or biometric properties of a user .

For still another embodiment of the invention, the means® for inline switching can include an AC powered relay unit and a relay-controlled switch that is controlled by the AC powered relay unit .

With another embodiment of the invention, the network conductor unit portion can be a network interconnector adaptor portion. The means® for inline switching can include a receiver-controlled switch and a receiver for controlling the receiver-controlled switch. A manual transmitter operator is provided for controlling a transmitter which provides a wireless signal for communicating with the receiver . The receiver in turn controls the receiver-controlled switch. The manual transmitter operator includes a manual transmitter operator handle .

Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will be better understood and the above obj ects as well as obj ects other than those set forth above will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof . Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein :

FIG . 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of the network cable portion, the inline switch-conductor-to-network-conductor connections , and the cable-to-switch conductors of the invention .

FIG . 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the network cable portion, the inline switch-conductor-to-network-conductor connections , and the cable-to-switch conductors of the invention .

FIG . 3 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, also showing means#@ for inline switching in the form of a manually-operated single-pole-single-throw switch contained inside a single- switch-containing switch box.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the invention, wherein the means#@ for inline switching include a manually-operated master switch, an automatically-operated switch unit, and a manually-operated bypass switch .

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG . 4 , wherein greater detail is shown with respect to the manually-operated master switch, the automatically-operated switch unit, and the manually-operated bypass switch .

FIG . 6 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the invention wherein the means#@ for inline switching include a relay-controlled switch that is controlled by an AC powered relay unit, and wherein an AC power strip is provided with a manually-operated AC power on/off switch that simultaneously controls AC power to the AC powered relay unit and a computer monitor .

FIG . 7 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the invention wherein a network interconnector adaptor portion is provided, wherein a receiver-controlled switch is connected to the network interconnector adaptor portion, wherein a wireless signal controls a receiver, wherein the receiver receives the wireless signal from a transmitter, and wherein the transmitter is activated by a manual transmitter operator handle . FIG . 8 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the network cable portion and the cable-to- switch conductors , wherein the inline switch-conductor-to- network-conductor connections are in the form of continuous conductor portions .

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention A secure network cable switch apparatus 10 is provided for keeping a personal computing device 11 secure from cyber attack through a network source 15.

In general, a secure network cable switch apparatus 10 is comprised of a network conductor unit portion which includes a plurality of network conductors . A pair of cable-to-switch conductors is connected to a selected network conductor 60 at a pair of inline switch-conductor- to-network-conductor connections which are inline in the selected network conductor 60 at a cable-to-conductor connection location adj acent to the network conductor unit portion. Means are provided for inline switching and are connected inline to the pair of cable-to-switch conductors at a switch-to-conductor connection location which is remote from the cable-to-conductor connection location .

In general , the secure network cable switch apparatus 10 of the invention is connected between a personal computing device 11 and a network source 15. The secure network cable switch apparatus 10 keeps a personal computing device 11 secure from cyber attack . More specifically, when the means for inline switching are "off" , communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is prevented. In contrast , when the means for inline switching are "on" , communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is permitted . The personal computing device 11 can be a personal computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or another conventional personal computing device 11. In general , when communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is prevented, the personal computing device 11 and the software located therein are secure from cyber attack such as hacking, viruses , spamware, Troj an horse propagation (by preventing distributed denial of service) , pc zombies , and BOT network attacks .

Most commonly, the network conductor unit portion is a network cable portion 13 which includes a first cable portion connector 12 , a second cable portion connector 14 , and a middle cable portion located between the first cable portion connector 12 and the second cable portion connector 14. As shown in FIGs . 1 and 2 , the first cable portion connector 12 is connected to the personal computing device 11, and the second cable portion connector 14 is connected to the network source 15 , which can be a cable modem, among other network sources . Preferably, the network cable portion 13 is a flexible network cable portion that includes a plurality of flexible network conductors . Preferably, the cable-to- switch conductors are flexible cable-to-switch conductors , and the means for inline switching are housed in a switch box which is remote from the cable-to-conductor connection location.

Most commonly, the flexible network conductors are network conductor wires , and the flexible cable-to-switch conductors are flexible cable-to-switch wires which include a first cable-to-switch wire 17 and a second cable-to-switch wire 18.

Preferably, the cable-to-switch wires are fitted into a switch-conductor plug 21, and the means for inline switching include a complementary switch-conductor-plug reception j ack 22 for receiving the switch-conductor plug 21.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the first inline switch- conductor-to-network-conductor connection 19 and the first cable-to-switch wire 17 can be connected to the middle cable portion of a selected network conductor wire 60. In addition, the second inline switch-conductor-to-network- conductor connection 20 and the second cable-to-switch wire 18 can be connected to the middle cable portion .

In addition, as shown in FIG . 2 , the first inline switch-conductor-to-network-conductor connection 19 and the first cable-to-switch wire 17 can be connected to the first cable portion connector 12. It is noted that the second cable portion connector 14 could also be used for this purpose . In addition, the second inline switch- conductor-to-network-conductor connection 20 and the second cable-to-switch wire 18 can be connected to the first cable portion connector 12. It is also noted that the second cable portion connector 14 could also be used for this purpose .

There is a discussion hereinabove about a standard network cable having eight conductors (wires) in four twisted, color coded pairs of wires . More specifically, with respect to the secure network cable switch apparatus 10 of the invention, the first preferred choice for selecting a network conductor wire 60 for connecting a cable-to-switch conductor inline thereto is the solid green network conductor wire . The second preferred choice for selecting a network conductor wire 60 for connecting a cable-to-switch conductor inline thereto is the white- green striped network conductor wire . The third preferred choice for selecting a network conductor wire 60 for connecting a cable-to-switch conductor inline thereto is the solid orange network conductor wire . The fourth preferred choice for selecting a network conductor wire 60 for connecting a cable-to-switch conductor inline thereto is the white-orange striped network conductor wire .

The means for inline switching includes a manually- operated switch. In general , with the invention, a manualIy-operated switch can be any suitable conventional manually-operated switch such as a push-button switch, a toggle switch, and a handle-operated switch, among others . More specifically, FIG. 3 further illustrates some features of one embodiment of the means for inline switching that are connected to the first cable-to-switch wire 17 and the second cable-to-switch wire 18. More specifically, the means for inline switching includes a manually-operated single-pole-single-throw switch 23 which is housed in a single-switch-containing switch box 16. The ends of the first cable-to-switch wire 17 and the second cable-to-switch wire 18 are formed into a switch- conductor plug 21 which is received in a complementary switch-conductor-plug reception j ack 22 that is supported by the single-switch-containing switch box 16.

Operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG . 3 , which is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , is as follows . When the manually-operated single- pole-single-throw switch 23 is in the "off" position, the line is "open" between the first cable portion connector 12 (and personal computing device 11) and the second cable portion connector 14 (and the network source 15) . Therefore, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is prevented .

However, when the manualIy-operated single-pole- single-throw switch 23 is in the "on" position, the line is " closed" between the first cable portion connector 12 (and personal computing device 11) and the second cable portion connector 14 (and the network source 15) . Therefore, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is permitted.

The manually-operated single-pole-single-throw switch 23 can be one of a variety of suitable conventional switches . One such suitable switch is a Radio Shack, Part No . 275001 , SPST Push on/off switch .

In addition, the first switch conductor 17 and the second switch conductor 18 can be obtained by dissection of a spare conventional network cable that is not to be used for a network connection and by removal of network conductors from the dissected spare network cable .

Other manualIy-operated switches could include a key-controlled switch or coded-combination switch . The means for inline switching can include an automatically-operated switch . Also . the means for inline switching can include both a manually-operated switch and an automatically-operated switch .

FIG. 4 and FIG . 5 illustrate the use of means for inline switching which include both a manually-operated switch and an automatically-operated switch . More specifically, a multiple-switch-containing switch box 25 is attached to a computer monitor 24. A quantity of an adhesive can be used for making this attachment .

The multiple-switch-containing switch box 25 includes a manually-operated master switch 26 (Switch #1) and an automatically-operated switch unit 28 (see FIG . 5) . Also present is a manually-operated bypass switch 27 (Switch #2) . Alternatively, instead of having one switch box for housing both a first switch and a second switch, a first switch box can house a manual on/off switch, and a second switch box can house an automatic switch and a bypass switch . With two separate switch boxes, one switch box, for housing a manually-operated master switch 26 , can be keep in a secure location, such as a locked desk drawer, and can be accessed by authorized users only when the desk drawer is unlocked . The other switch box, which may house an automatically-operated switch unit 28 and a manually-operated bypass switch 27 , may be readily accessible to any user of the personal computing device 11. Even more specifically with respect to FIGs . 4 and 5 , the switch-conductor plug 21 is connected to the first cable-to-switch wire 17 and to the second cable-to-switch wire 18 and is inserted into the switch-conductor-plug reception j ack 22 which is supported by the multiple- switch-containing switch box 25. The manualIy-operated master switch 26 is connected serially inline with the automatically-operated switch unit 28. In addition, the manually-operated bypass switch 27 is connected in parallel with the automatically-operated switch unit 28. Operation of the manually-operated master switch 26 , the automatically-operated switch unit 28 , and the manually-operated bypass switch 27 are as follows .

When the manually-operated master switch 26 is in the "off" position, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is prevented through the selected network wire 60 and through the "off" manually-operated master switch 26 no matter what the status of either the automatically-operated switch unit 28 or the manualIy-operated bypass switch 27.

On the other hand, when the manually-operated master switch 26 is in the "on" position, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 through the selected network wire 60 is dependent upon the respective statuses of the automatically-operated switch unit 28 and the manually-operated bypass switch 27.

More specifically, when the manually-operated master switch 26 is in the "on" position and the manually- operated bypass switch 27 is in the "off" position, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 through the selected network wire 60 is dependent upon the status of the automatically-operated switch unit 28.

On the one hand, if an automatically-responsive condition is sensed, then the automatically-operated switch unit 28 moves to the "on" position, and communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is permitted through the selected network wire 60 by way of the "on" automatically-operated switch unit 28 and the "on" manualIy-operated master switch 26.

On the other hand, if the automatically-responsive condition is not sensed, then the automatically-operated switch unit 28 moves to the "off" position, and communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is prevented through the selected network wire 60 by the "off" automatically-operated switch unit 28.

There may be times when a user may desire to keep communication flowing between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 even when the automatically-responsive condition is not sensed . Such a time may occur when the user wishes to leave the personal computing device 11 for a brief time, such as , for example, to attend to personal needs or to answer a telephone or to respond to a doorbell . When such is the case, the user can move the manually-operated bypass switch 27 from the normally "off" position to an "on" position. When this is done, the automatically-operated switch unit 28 is bypassed or shunted so that the status of the automatically-operated switch unit 28 is not controlling. When the manually-operated bypass switch 27 is in the "on" position, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is permitted through the selected network wire 60 by way of the "on" manually-operated master switch 26 and the "on" manually-operated bypass switch 27.

When the user returns to the personal computing device 11 and desires the automaticalIy-operated switch unit 28 to operate upon sensing the automatically- responsive condition, then the user switches the manually- operated bypass switch 27 back to the "off" position.

Automatically-responsive conditions that are sensed by an automatically-operated switch unit 28 can be a wide variety of conditions, which include motion detection of a user, proximity detection of a user, the weight of person on a chair, an operator-controlled timer, or biometric properties of a user.

With biometric properties of a user controlling a biometric-controlled switch, only authorized persons, such as adults or other members of a household, would be calibrated with respect to the biometric device, so that only those authorized persons could use the network, such as the Internet .

For still another embodiment of the invention, the means for inline switching can include an AC powered relay unit 29 and a relay-controlled switch 33 that is controlled by the AC powered relay unit 29.

As shown in FIG . 6 , the means for inline switching can be in the form of a relay-controlled switch 33 that is controlled by an AC powered relay unit 29. For example, both the AC powered relay unit 29 and a computer monitor AC power plug 30 can be plugged into the same AC power strip 62 that receives AC power from an AC power source cord 31. When the manualIy-operated AC power on/off switch 32 is in the "on" position, both the computer monitor 24 and the AC powered relay unit 29 receive AC power from the power strip 62. With the AC powered relay unit 29 receiving power, the relay-controlled switch 33 is in the "closed" position, and the communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is permitted through the selected network wire 60 by way of the "closed" relay-controlled switch 33. On the other hand, when the manually-operated AC power on/off switch 32 is moved to the "off" position, the computer monitor 24 no longer receives power, and the AC powered relay unit 29 no longer receives power. As a result, the relay-controlled switch 33 moves to the "open" position. With the relay-controlled switch 33 in the "open" position, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is prevented through the selected network wire 60 by the "open" relay- controlled switch 33. With another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG . 7 , the network conductor unit portion can be a network interconnector adaptor portion 40. The means for inline switching can include a receiver-controlled switch 47 and a receiver 43 for controlling the receiver- controlled switch 47. A manual transmitter operator 46 is provided for controlling a transmitter 45 which provides a wireless signal 44 for communicating with the receiver 43. The receiver 43 in turn controls the receiver-controlled switch 47. The manual transmitter operator 46 includes a manual transmitter operator handle .

More specifically, in FIG. 7 , a network interconnector adaptor portion 40 is shown. It is understood that the network interconnector adaptor portion 40 is interconnected between a complementary connector in either the personal computing device 11 or the network source 15 and another complementary connector of a conventional network cable (not shown) . As shown in FIG. 7 , the first inline switch- conductor-to-network-conductor connection 19 is connected to a first adaptor-to-switch wire 41 , and the second inline switch-conductor-to-network-conductor connection 20 is connected to a second adaptor-to-switch wire 42. The first adaptor-to-switch wire 41 is connected to one terminal of a receiver-controlled switch 47 , and the second adaptor-to-switch wire 42 is connected to the other terminal of the receiver-controlled switch 47. In operation, the receiver-controlled switch 47 can be toggled by the receiver 43 to be in either the "closed" position or the "open" position . That is, by operation of the manual transmitter operator 46 , the transmitter 45 sends a wireless signal 44 to the receiver 43 which controls the toggled receiver-controlled switch 47. The receiver-controlled switch 47 is connected inline with a selected network conductor 60 in the network interconnector adaptor portion 40. The status of communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 through the selected network conductor 60 is controlled by the status of the receiver- controlled switch 47.

On the one hand, when the receiver-controlled switch 47 is in the "open" position, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is prevented through the selected network conductor 60 by the "open" receiver-controlled switch 47.

On the other hand, when the receiver-controlled switch 47 is in the "closed" position, communication between the personal computing device 11 and the network source 15 is permitted through the selected network conductor 60 by the "closed" receiver-controlled switch 47.

The transmitter 45 , the wireless signal 44 , and the receiver 43 can be of a variety of we.11 known forms and can act in accordance with a variety ,Q£ well known wireless signalling principles . φ§V ^exa _>ϊpp_,le, electromagnetic radiation or acoustic waye energy can be used with the transmitter 45 , the wireless signal 44 , and the receiver 43 -

The receiver 43 and the receiver-controlled switch 47 can be housed in a common housing, as shown in FIG . 7. The common housing can be fixed to the network interconnector adaptor portion 40 if desired . In this respect, the first adaptor-to-switch wire 41 and the second adaptor-to-switch wire 42 can be either relatively rigid or flexible . Otherwise, the common housing can be located remote from the network interconnector adaptor portion 40. When such is the case, the first adaptor-to- switch wire 41 and the second adaptor-to-switch wire 42 are preferably flexible .

In addition, an embodiment of the invention which includes a network interconnector adaptor portion 40 can be especially useful with a personal computing device 11 that employs a wireless Internet plug-in card (not shown) . In this respect , the network interconnector adaptor portion 40 would be interconnected between the personal computing device 11 and the wireless Internet plug-in card.

With embodiments of the invention which include a first cable-to-switch wire 17 and a second cable-to-switch wire 18 , determinations of their respective lengths should take into consideration the issue of signal attenuation. More specifically, the respective conductor lengths should not permit signal attenuation or loss of signal strength . With one embodiment of the invention, both the selected network cable wire 60 and each of the first cable-to- switch wire 17 and the second cable-to-switch wire 18 are six feet in length .

Even more specifically, when CAT 5 network cable is modified in accordance with the principles of the secure network cable switch apparatus 10 of the present invention, the maximum length should not exceed CAT 5 specifications .

More generally, a person with ordinary skill in the art would be able to determine respective acceptable maximum conductor lengths when taking into consideration the specifications of the network cable portion 13 , the specifications of the first cable-to-switch wire 17 and the second cable-to-switch wire 18 , and the specifications of signal strength and the local signal environment .

The CAT 5 (or 6 cables) are referred to as Shielded Twisted Pair Cables . The jacket that covers the four pairs of wires provides electromagnetic wave shielding . Similarly, the network cable portion 13 of the invention is shielded . Moreover, if desirable, the first cable-to- switch wire 17 and the second cable-to-switch wire 18 can also be provided with shielding.

By having a switch-conductor plug 21 at the ends of the first cable-to-switch wire 17 and the second cable-to- switch wire 18 and by having a switch-conductor-plug reception jack 22 in the means for inline switching, modularity is permitted with respect to the means for inline switching . That is, if the switch-conductor plug 21 is initially plugged into a switch-conductor-plug reception jack 22 having only a simple manually-operated single-pole-single-throw switch 23 , and, at a later time, it is desired to utilize an automatically-operated switch, then the switch-conductor plug 21 can be unplugged from the switch-conductor-plug reception jack 22 for the simple manualIy-operated single-pole-single-throw switch 23 and can then be plugged into a switch-conductor-plug reception j ack 22 for the automatically-operated switch .

Also, the modular nature of the switch-conductor plug 21 and the switch-conductor-plug reception jack 22 can be employed if one type of manualIy-operated single- pole-single-throw switch 23 is substituted for another type of manualIy-operated single-pole-single-throw switch 23 or if one type of automatically-operated switch is substituted for another type of automatically-operated switch.

The electrical connections between the selected network cable wire, the first cable-to-switch wire 17 , and the second cable-to-switch wire 18 can be made with any suitable method. Suitable electrical connections are provided by methods of soldering, splicing, and twisting one wire around another and topping with an insulation cap, among other suitable methods . Alternatively, with another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG . 8 , the first inline switch- conductor-to-network-conductor connection 19 and the second inline switch-conductor-to-network-conductor connection 20 can be formed as continuous portions 50 between the selected network cable wire 60 and a first cable-to-switch wire portion 57 and a second cable-to- switch wire portion 58.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the means for inline switching can be located on a computer monitor 24. As shown in FIG . 6 , the means for inline switching can be located on an AC power strip 62. As shown in FIG . 7 , the means for inline switching can be located adjacent to network interconnector adaptor portion 40. Other locations for the means for inline switching are contemplated and include a keyboard, a mouse, a desk top, or table top, among others .

If desired, with a keyboard, the switch-conductor plug 21 could plug into a switch-conductor-plug reception j ack 22 in the keyboard . The means for inline switching could be in the form of a manualIy-operated switch .

Alternatively, the means for inline switching could be in the form of a solid-state switch that is controlled by a designated combination of key strokes . An indicator light can be present on the keyboard to signal activation or deactivation of the means for inline switching .

If desired, more than one pair of cable-to-switch wires can be connected inline with more than one selected network conductor 60.

Thus far, discussions of network conductors have related to network conductors which carry electrical communication signals . That is , the network conductors are wires . However, it is also contemplated that the principles of the invention can be applied to network conductors that include optical fibers through which communication signals are carried by light . In this respect, the cable-to-switch conductors would also include optical conductors , and the means for inline switching would include optical switches .

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need be provided.

It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishes all of the obj ects set forth by providing a new and improved secure network cable switch apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to provide a hardware device that prevents unwanted communication between a personal computing device and a network source in an always-on broadband network connection . With the invention, a secure network cable switch apparatus provides manual control by a user of an on/off switch which would switch off communication between the personal computing device and the network source for times when the user decides to be away from the personal computing device . With the invention, a secure network cable switch apparatus is provided in which only a pair of switch conductors can extend away from the network cable to connect with a switch that is remotely located away from the network cable . With the invention, a secure network cable switch apparatus is provided which does not require insertion of a key for proper operation . With the invention, a secure network cable switch apparatus is provided which does- not require the construction and translation of precisely aligned male and female connectors for a network cable . With the invention, a secure network cable switch apparatus is provided which does not require setting a timer to predetermined time periods . With the invention, a secure network cable switch apparatus is provided which does not require invasion of the personal computing device for installation of the secure network cable switch apparatus .

Thus , while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment (s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials , shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use .

Claims

Claims What is claimed is :

1. A secure network cable switch apparatus, comprising : a network conductor unit portion which includes a plurality of network conductors, a pair of cable-to-switch conductors connected to a selected network conductor at a pair of inline switch- conductor-to-network-conductor connections which are inline in said selected network conductor at a cable-to- conductor connection location adjacent to said network conductor unit portion, and means for inline switching connected inline to said pair of cable-to-switch conductors at a switch-to- conductor connection location which is remote from said cable-to-conductor connection location .

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein network conductor unit portion is a network cable portion which includes : a first cable portion connector, a second cable portion connector, and a middle cable portion located between said first cable portion connector and said second cable portion connector .

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein : said network cable portion is a flexible network cable portion that includes a plurality of flexible network conductors, said cable-to-switch conductors are flexible cable- to-switch conductors, and said means for inline switching are housed in a switch box which is remote from said cable-to-conductor connection location.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein : said flexible network conductors are network conductor wires , and said flexible cable-to-switch conductors are flexible cable-to-switch wires which include a first cable-to-switch wire and a second cable-to-switch wire .

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein : said cable-to-switch wires are fitted into a switch- conductor plug, and said means for inline switching include a complementary switch-conductor-plug reception jack for receiving said switch-conductor plug.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for inline switching include a manually-operated switch .

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for inline switching include an automatically-operated switch.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for inline switching include both a manualIy-operated switch and an automatically-operated switch .

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for inline switching include an AC powered relay unit and a relay- controlled switch that is controlled by said AC powered relay unit .

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said network conductor unit portion is a network interconnector adaptor portion .

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for inline switching include : a receiver-controlled switch and a receiver for controlling said receiver-controlled switch, and a manual transmitter operator for controlling a transmitter which provides a wireless signal for communicating with said receiver, whereby said receiver-controlled switch is controlled by said receiver through said wireless signal from said transmitter controlled by said manual transmitter operator .

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said manual transmitter operator includes a manual transmitter operator handle .