Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method, system, and computer program by which a logical network connection can be maintained in the presence of disruption or failure of the underlying physical network connection. The technique defines a virtual connection between the client and gateway, which is not dependent upon continuous connectivity in the underlying physical connection, and can resume operation transparently even though the physical connection may be established on a different media type. Additionally, the technique of the present invention enables the physical medium to be changed even though the physical connection was not disrupted. This change in medium may be based on a number of factors, such as quality of service or transmission speed, which can be monitored. A graphical user interface ('GUI') is defined whereby the human user may observe a depiction of the available physical connections and their status, information regarding the physical connection currently in use, etc. The user may initiate changes to the current physical connection from this GUI, without disrupting the logical connection.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim