A network interface cassette for coupling signals between a wireless
network and a tape head in a cassette tape player. The network interface
cassette includes an enclosure that is conformed to the cassette tape
form factor. It contains a transceiver that converts base band signals
for radio frequency communications within the wireless network. It also
contains a network controller that is coupled to communicate the base
band signals with the transceiver. The network controller converts
digital audio signals to and from the base band signals. There is an
audio processor that converts the digital audio signals to analog audio
signals. A coupling means converts the analog audio signals to magnetic
audio signals. The coupling means is aligned to couple the magnetic audio
signals to the tape head. A power supply with batteries incorporates a
spindle driven sensor means to control power and function selection
within the device. A wireless user interface adapter is provided to
couple microphone and audio signals to the apparatus. Plural
communications requests are processed, and include a priority scheme to
manage resource contention.