Importance

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Abstract

For client/server network connectivity, clients connect to a server at a predesignated address. With client/server connectivity, if client-to-client communication is required, even for extended duration, the server acts as an intermediary or host—clients communicate with each other through the server. Herein described are processes for altering communications patterns after an initial client-server communications session has been established, specifically data transmission paths, from the nominal client-to-client communication through server intermediary known in the prior art and described foregoing, to a communication pattern of direct client-to-client communication, possibly with one or more clients dynamically assuming a hosting role analogous to that of a server, thus directly communicating with other clients, rather than continuing to use the server in an intervening manner. Further, once direct client-to-client communication commences, continued connectivity to the server used as the original connection point may be superflous. In short, once client-server connectivity is established, clients may communicate directly client-to-client, or dynamically act as hosts for other clients.

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First Claim