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.

1 - 20 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       21 . A method of establishing wireline telephonic modem communications in an ISP communications server, the method comprising: 
 receiving an incoming telephone call from a client device;    establishing a first modem communications connection over a telecommunications network with the client device, the establishing the first communications connection including deriving a first negotiated data rate, wherein at least one connection parameter derived in the establishing is stored in a storage area located in at least one of the client device and the ISP communications server;    communicating with the client device at the first negotiated data rate;    receiving a first user-initiated indication related to a first request to terminate modem communications on the first communications connection;    discontinuing the first modem communications connection in response to receiving the first request to terminate modem communications;    receiving a second user-initiated indication related to a second request to resume modem communications;    establishing a second modem communications connection over the telecommunication network with the client device, the establishing the second modem communications connection being based at least in part on the at least one connection parameter, wherein establishing the second modem communications connection includes deriving a second negotiated data rate; and    communicating with the client device on the second communications connection at the second negotiated data rate.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein each of the ISP communications server and the client device utilize at least one V. 90  compliant modem to establish the first and second modem communications connections.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein a first time period required to perform the establishing the first modem communications connection is greater than a second time period required to perform the establishing the second modem communications connection.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the deriving the first negotiated data rate and the deriving the second negotiated data rate are performed at least partially in accordance with the V.34 modem standard.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first user-initiated indication is associated with a call waiting signal and the second user-initiated indication is associated with the user discontinuing a call.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first user-initiated indication indicates a desire to pause communication, and the second user-initiated indication indicates a desire to resume communication.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the second negotiated data rate is equivalent to the first negotiated data rate.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the second negotiated data rate is different than the first negotiated data rate.  
   
   
       29 . An apparatus for performing wireline telephonic modem communications in an ISP communications server, the apparatus comprising: 
 a central processing unit;    a memory communicatively coupled to the central processing unit; and    one or more modems communicatively coupled to the central processing unit, the modems being configured to: 
 receive an incoming telephone call from a client device;  
 establish a first modem communications connection over a telecommunications network with the client device, establishing the first modem communications connection including deriving a first negotiated data rate, wherein at least one connection parameter derived in the establishing is stored in a storage area located in at least one of the client device and the ISP communications server;  
 communicate with the client device at the first negotiated data rate;  
 receive a first user-initiated indication related to a first request to terminate modem communications on the first modem communications connection;  
 discontinue the first modem communications connection in response to receiving the first request to terminate modem communications;  
 receive a second user-initiated indication of a second request to resume communications;  
 establish a second modem communications connection over the telecommunication network with the client device, establishing the second modem communications connection being based at least in part on the at least one connection parameter, wherein establishing the second modem communications connection includes deriving a second negotiated data rate; and  
 communicate with the client device on the second modem communications connection at the second negotiated data rate.  
   
   
   
       30 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein each of the ISP communications server and the client device utilize at least one V.90 compliant modem to establish the first and second communications connections.  
   
   
       31 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein a first time period required to establish the first communications connection is greater than a second time period required to establish the second communications connection.  
   
   
       32 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the deriving the first negotiated data rate and the deriving the second negotiated data rate are performed at least partially in accordance with the V.34 modem standard.  
   
   
       33 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the first user-initiated indication is associated with a call waiting signal and the second user-initiated indication is associated with the user discontinuing a call.  
   
   
       34 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the first user-initiated indication indicates a desire to pause communication, and the second user-initiated indication indicates a desire to resume communication.  
   
   
       35 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the second negotiated data rate is equivalent to the first negotiated data rate.  
   
   
       36 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the second negotiated data rate is different than the first negotiated data rate.