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 for performing communications by a mobile device, the method comprising: 
 establishing a first wireless session with a first device, the first wireless session being established at least in part over a first wireless communications link;    invoking a first application of one or more applications that uses the first wireless session to communicate with the first device;    suspending the first wireless session;    resuming the first wireless session over a second wireless communications link; and    receiving an unsolicited communication request, the unsolicited communication request including a first set of information that identifies the first application of the one or more applications and an indication of application information for use by the first application.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising invoking the first application in response to receiving the unsolicited communication request.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising automatically invoking the first application in response to receiving the unsolicited communication request.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first wireless communications link is terminated and the second wireless communications link is established prior to the resuming, and wherein the first and second wireless communications links use the same physical layer and link communication protocols.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first wireless communications link is terminated and the second wireless communications link is established prior to the resuming, and wherein at least one of a physical layer protocol and a link communication protocol differ between the first and second wireless communications links.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first wireless session is resumed at least partially in response to the unsolicited communication request.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first wireless communications link and the second wireless communications link are the same wireless communications link.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first wireless communications link and the second wireless communications link are different wireless communications links.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising downloading the application information, the downloading being performed at least partially in response to receiving the indication of application information.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the unsolicited communication request includes content for use by the first application.  
   
   
       31 . A method for performing communications by a network server, the method comprising: 
 establishing a first wireless session with a mobile device, the first wireless session being established at least in part over a first wireless communications link;    invoking a first application of one or more applications that uses the first wireless session to communicate with the mobile device, the first application having a complementary application configured for being performed by the mobile device;    suspending the first wireless session;    resuming the first wireless session over a second wireless communications link; and    sending a communication request to the mobile device, the communication request being unsolicited by the mobile device and including a first set of information that identifies the complementary application and an indication of application information for use by the complementary application.    
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising invoking the first application in response to sending the communication request.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising causing the complementary application on the mobile device to be invoked in response to sending the communication request.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the first wireless communications link is terminated and the second wireless communications link is established prior to the resuming, and wherein the first and second wireless communications links use the same physical layer and link communication protocols.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the first wireless communications link is terminated and the second wireless communications link is established prior to the resuming, and wherein at least one of a physical layer protocol and a link communication protocol differ between the first and second wireless communications links.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the first wireless session is resumed in response to an action taken in the mobile device, the action being taken at least partially in response to receipt of the communications request.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the first wireless communications link and the second wireless communications link are the same wireless communications link.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the first wireless communications link and the second wireless communications link are different wireless communications links.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising downloading the application information to the mobile device, the downloading being performed at least partially in response to receiving a request generated in the mobile device in response to receiving the indication of application information.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the communication request includes content for use by the complementary application.  
   
   
       41 . An apparatus for performing communications with a mobile device, the apparatus comprising a central processing unit configured to: 
 establish a first wireless session with a mobile device, the first wireless session being established at least in part over a first wireless communications link;    invoke a first application of one or more applications that uses the first wireless session to communicate with the mobile device, the first application having a complementary application configured for being performed by the mobile device;    suspend the first wireless session;    resume the first wireless session over a second wireless communications link; and    send a communication request to the mobile device, the communication request being unsolicited by the mobile device and including a first set of information that identifies the complementary application and an indication of application information for use by the complementary application.    
   
   
       42 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the central processing unit is further configured to invoke the first application in response to sending the communication request.  
   
   
       43 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the central processing unit is further configured to cause the complementary application on the mobile device to be invoked in response to sending the communication request.  
   
   
       44 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the first wireless communications link is terminated and the second wireless communications link is established prior to resuming the first wireless session, and wherein the first and second wireless communications links use the same physical layer and link communication protocols.  
   
   
       45 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the first wireless communications link is terminated and the second wireless communications link is established prior to resuming the first wireless session, and wherein at least one of a physical layer protocol and a link communication protocol differ between the first and second wireless communications links.  
   
   
       46 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the first wireless session is resumed in response to an action taken in the mobile device, the action being taken at least partially in response to receipt of the communications request.  
   
   
       47 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the first wireless communications link and the second wireless communications link are the same wireless communications link.  
   
   
       48 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the first wireless communications link and the second wireless communications link are different wireless communications links.  
   
   
       49 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the central processing unit is further configured to download the application information to the mobile device, the download being performed at least partially in response to receiving a request generated in the mobile device in response to receiving the indication of application information.  
   
   
       50 . The apparatus of  claim 41 , wherein the communication request includes content for use by the complementary application.