Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides method and apparatus to provide local clients with the capability to dial-out through a packet processor to a remote line server to access a remote client. A packet processor is disclosed which includes a first and second interface and a bridge/router. The remote client is coupled through respectively a first network, a remote line server, and a second point-to-point network to the packet processor. The first interface couples to each of the local clients and detects data packets from one of the local clients which contain a dial-out phone number of the remote client. The second interface couples to the first network and opens a first point-to-point connection to the remote line server, responsive to the detecting of the packet. The bridge/router passes the dial-out phone number to the remote line server across the first point-to-point connection to cause the remote line server to establish a second point-to-point connection to the remote client for the transfer of data packets from the local client. The local clients may include a modem shell for redirecting modem communications including a dial-out phone number from an application on the local client to the packet processor across a packet switched network.

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First Claim