Importance

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Abstract

A communications driver is provided for establishing communications sessions between a computer system and a remote device, such as another computer system. The computer system includes a plurality of ports which are connected to a number of diverse types of communications media. At least one of the ports comprises a network port controlled by a network socket driver, so that the communications driver can be used in connection with lower-level networking drivers which may be provided by a variety of manufacturers. The communications driver selectively establishes a communications session such that the computer system will operate as a terminal with the remote device over one of the communications media, as selected by an operator. The communications driver initially enables the operator to identify a communications medium and a remote device, and the driver thereafter selects one of the ports in response to identification by the operator of a communications medium and a remote device. After selecting the port, the driver attempts to establish a communications session with the remote device over the communications medium using the port as selected by said communications path selection element. If successful in establishing the communications session, the communications driver enables communications to proceed such that the computer system will operate as a terminal on the remote device, regardless of the communications media over which they communicate.

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First Claim