Virtual connection of a remote unit to a server

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods are provided which allow a remote user to maintain a virtual session with a server. A virtual session allows a remote and possibly mobile user to maintain a virtual presence in an office environment without actually being present. Using the present invention, a remote user can access a central application program such as an Internet service provider, a database system, an inventory system or billing system. Likewise, the remote user can receive calls and other forms of communications as though he or she were present in an office environment. A virtual session does not require a physical connection to be continuously present in order to provide a virtual connectivity. This is especially important for mobile applications where the remote user may incur long distance and/or wireless toll charges. Also, methods are presented to allow a remote unit to rapidly reconnect in a transparent and seamless way without burdening the user with the need to connect and reconnect or to upload and download information. Related methods are provided to allow the virtual session to be established, operated and maintained.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of accessing an application server from a remote unit, the method comprising: 
 at a first time, coupling via a cellular communications network air interface channel to a communications interface entity that is distinct from the server, and establishing a communication session with the communication interface entity, wherein the communication session is capable of assuming an active state and an inactive state;    coupling a client-side application layer program to a server-side application layer program using a communication path comprising the communication session, wherein the server-side application layer program is executed by the server, and the communication session is in the active state;    placing the communication session into the inactive state, ceasing session communications via the cellular communications network air interface channel and maintaining the communication session in the inactive state;    at a second time, coupling to a local interface port via a wireless link that uses a standardized local coupling protocol, wherein the local interface port is also coupled via a landline network path to the communication interface entity;    placing the communication session back into the active state, wherein the reactivated session is supported by a communication path that comprises the local interface port and the landline network path to the communication interface entity; and    recoupling the client-side application layer program to the server-side application layer program using the communication path that comprises the local interface port and the landline network path to the communication interface entity.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the remote unit can access the server at a reduced cost when coupled to the server via the local interface port and landline network path than is possible when the communication session is coupled to the server via the cellular air interface channel.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the landline network path comprises a path through a public switched telephone network (PSTN).  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wireless link interface comprises an air interface channel in a cellular network.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wireless link interface comprises an air interface channel in a personal communication system (PCS) network.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wireless link interface comprises wireless pigtail connector protocol.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the communication session supports the transport of packet data.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  Claim 1 , wherein the communication session supports the transport of packetized voice data.  
     
     
         9 . A method of accessing an application server from a remote unit, the method comprising: 
 at a first time, coupling to the server via a path that comprises a cellular communications network air interface channel, and establishing a communication session with the server, wherein the communication session is capable of assuming an active state and an inactive state;    placing the communication session into the inactive state, ceasing session communications via the cellular communications network air interface channel and maintaining the communication session in the inactive state;    at a second time, wirelessly coupling to a local interface port, wherein the local interface port comprises a wireless link interface that uses a standardized local coupling protocol, and the local interface port also comprises a second interface that couples to a public switched telephone network (PSTN);    placing the communication session back into the active state, wherein the reactivated session is supported by a communication path that comprises the local interface port and a path through the PSTN.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the remote unit can access the server at a reduced cost when coupled to the server via the local interface port than is possible when the communication session is coupled to the server via the cellular air interface channel.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the wireless link interface comprises an air interface channel in a cellular network.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the wireless link interface comprises an air interface channel in a personal communication system (PCS) network.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the wireless link interface comprises wireless pigtail connector protocol.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the communication session supports the transport of packet data.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the communication session supports the transport of packetized voice data.  
     
     
         16 . A method of communicating between a remote unit and a server, the method comprising: 
 at a first time, establishing an application session between an application program residing on the server and an application program residing on the remote unit, the application session being supported by a communication session, wherein the communication session is capable of assuming an active state and an inactive state, and the communication session;    placing the communication session into the inactive state and maintaining the communication session in the inactive state;    at a second time, sending a signal indicative of a communication request and a set of data associated with the communication request, wherein the data indicates that the communication request is to reestablish communication between the client-side application layer program and the server-side application layer program;    placing the communication session into the active state;    resuming application layer communications between the client-side and server-side application programs via the communication session.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein at the first time the communication session is supported by a cellular network and at the second time the session is supported by a local wireless pigtail port that is coupled to the PSTN.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the application layer program corresponds to an email application.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the application layer program corresponds to a fax application.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the signal indicative of a communication request corresponds to a telephone ringing signal, the data associated with the incoming communication request corresponds to a caller ID data packet, and the caller ID data packet comprises information that identifies the application layer program in the remote unit.