Method and system for asymmetric satellite communications for local area networks

Abstract

A method and system for providing high-speed, satellite-based information delivery is described. Improved communication channel efficiency is accomplished by employing an asymmetric data flow. The high bandwidth channel capacity of digital satellite systems is used for the download of large volumes of data. While relatively low speed communication channels are used for upstream data requests. The use of separate channels for upstream data and downloaded data provides an increased efficiency of use for typical Internet and other electronic information service subscribers.

1 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and a user, comprising: 
 (A) a client computer system, wherein said client computer system is a digital computer;    (B) a local area network connected to said client computer system;    (C) a server computer connected to said local area network to provide a means of communicating between said local area network and one or more external communication channels;    (D) a satellite communication channel connected to said server computer by a radio frequency link; and    (E) an information provider connected to one or more external communication channels for the purpose of providing information to one or more said client computer systems.    
   
   
       2 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system is a personal computer.  
   
   
       3 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system is a Macintosh computer.  
   
   
       4 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system is a computer workstation.  
   
   
       5 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system is a mini computer.  
   
   
       6 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system is a mainframe computer.  
   
   
       7 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system is a special purpose digital computer.  
   
   
       8 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system has a Windows operating system.  
   
   
       9 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system has a Windows 95 operating system.  
   
   
       10 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system has a Windows NT operating system.  
   
   
       11 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system has a Macintosh operating system.  
   
   
       12 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system has a Unix operating system.  
   
   
       13 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system has a Linux operating system.  
   
   
       14 . A communication system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said client computer system has an OS/2 operating system.  
   
   
       15 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said local area network is an IPX network.  
   
   
       16 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said local area network is an IP network.  
   
   
       17 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said information provider is an Internet service provider.  
   
   
       18 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said information provider is a software distributor.  
   
   
       19 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and a user, as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising: a modem electrically connected to said server computer to transmit data electronically to a telephone landline.  
   
   
       20 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, comprising: 
 (A) receiving data from said information service provider by a satellite communications channel; and    (B) conveying said received data across a local area network to one or more digital computer systems.    
   
   
       21 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 (C) generating a request from said one or more digital computer systems to said information service provider.    
   
   
       22 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 (D) conveying said generated request to said information service provide by a landline communication channel.    
   
   
       23 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 (D) conveying said generated request to said information service provide by a satellite communication channel.    
   
   
       24 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 (D) conveying said generated request to said information service provide by a wireless communication channel.    
   
   
       25 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 (D) conveying said generated request to said information service provide by a routed communication channel.    
   
   
       26 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: receiving data from said satellite communications channel into computer hardware memory.  
   
   
       27 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: checking to determine if said received data has an IP format.  
   
   
       28 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising: checking to determine if said received data has a packetized format.  
   
   
       29 . A process for asymmetrically communicating between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said one or more digital computer systems are connected electrically by a local area network.  
   
   
       30 . A method for controlling the transfer of information between an information service provider and a user, comprising: 
 (A) receiving data from said information service, wherein said received data has a protocol identifier;    (B) determining the protocol of said received data; and    (C) delivering said data according to said protocol of said received data to a client computer.    
   
   
       31 . A method for controlling the transfer of information between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 30 , further comprising: 
 (D) receiving a return packet of data from said client computer.    
   
   
       32 . A method for controlling the transfer of information between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 31 , further comprising: 
 (E) delivering said returned packet of data from said client computer to said information service provider.    
   
   
       33 . A computer program to manage communications between an information service provider and a user, comprising: 
 (A) a routine for receiving information from said information service;    (B) a routine for testing said received information to determine the source of said information;    (C) a routine for delivering said received information to a digital computer system.    
   
   
       34 . A computer program to manage communications between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 33 , further comprising: a routine for determining an age value for said received information.  
   
   
       35 . A computer program to manage communications between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 33 , further comprising: a routine for replacing old received information with newer received information.  
   
   
       36 . A system for managing the communications between an information service provider and a user, comprising: 
 (A) a digital computer system connected to a local area network;    (B) a first interface device for communicating between said local area network and a satellite communication channel;    (C) a first connection between said satellite communication channel and a source of information;    (D) a second connection between said land line communication channel and a source of information; and    (E) a means for controlling the flow of information between said digital computer system and said source of information.    
   
   
       37 . A system for managing the communications between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 36  further comprising a second interface device for communicating between said local area network and a landline.  
   
   
       38 . A system for managing the communications between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 36  further comprising a second interface device for communicating between said local area network and a wireless channel.  
   
   
       39 . A system for managing the communications between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 36  further comprising a second interface device for communicating with said local area network to a satellite.  
   
   
       40 . A system for managing the communications between an information service provider and a user, as recited in  claim 36  further comprising a second interface device for communicating with said local area network to a routed channel.  
   
   
       41 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and users at client computers on a computer network, the system comprising: 
 a satellite receiver operating to receive download data from the information provider;    a plurality of client computers on a computer network, each of said client computers including first network hardware and first network software for communication with the computer network, each of said client computers also including application software for communications with the information provider;    a server computer, including second network hardware and second network software for communications with the computer network, in electronic communication with said satellite receiver and in electronic communication with the computer network, said server computer operating to receive the download data from said satellite receiver and operating to route the download data to said plurality of client computers for use by the application software on each of said client computers, irrespective of said client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each of said client computers, via the computer network;    and said computer network connected to said plurality of client computers and connected to said server computer whereby said server computer provides routing for the download data to said plurality of client computers.    
   
   
       42 . The communications system as defined in  claim 41  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       43 . The communications system as defined in  claim 41  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       44 . The communications system as defined in  claim 42  wherein said server computer is programmed to route the download data to said plurality of client computers on the local area network irrespective of the client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer of the plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       45 . The communications system as defined in  claim 42  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       46 . The communications system as defined in  claim 45  wherein said storage medium is included in said server computer.  
   
   
       47 . The communications system as defined in  claim 45  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       48 . The communications system as defined in  claim 47  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       49 . The communications system as defined in  claim 42  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       50 . The communications system as defined in  claim 49  wherein said server operating system is a Linux-based operating system.  
   
   
       51 . The communications system as defined in  claim 49  wherein said server operating system is a Unix-based operating system.  
   
   
       52 . The communications system as defined in  claim 49  wherein said server operating system is a Netware-based operating system.  
   
   
       53 . The communications system as defined in  claim 49  wherein said server operating system is a Microsoft Windows-based operating system.  
   
   
       54 . The communications system as defined in  claim 49  wherein said server operating system is a Microsoft Windows NT-based operating system.  
   
   
       55 . The communications system as defined in  claim 42  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       56 . The communications system as defined in  claim 42  wherein the system provides bi-directional electronic communications between said plurality of client computers on the local area network-and the information provider, the electronic communications including both the reception of the download data and transmission of upload data, and wherein the system further comprises a communications device in electronic communications with said server computer.  
   
   
       57 . The communications system as defined in  claim 56  wherein said plurality of client computers send the upload data to the information provider by the upload data being sent to said server computer by said plurality of client computers through the local area network, the upload data being provided to said communications device by said server computer, and the upload data being sent to the information provider via said communications device.  
   
   
       58 . The communications system as defined in  claim 42  comprising a plurality of local area networks wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to said plurality of local area networks.  
   
   
       59 . A server computer for communicating between a global communications network and client computers on a computer network, the server computer comprising: 
 network hardware for connecting said server computer to the computer network;    communications hardware for enabling electronic communications with a satellite receiver;    a processor; and    a computer readable medium containing:    network instructions for communications between said server computer and the computer network;    satellite instructions for communications between said server computer and the satellite receiver;    router instructions, said router instructions operating to receive download data from the global communications network and operating to route the download data to a plurality of client computers connected to a local area network, irrespective of said client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each of said client computers; and    wherein said network instructions, said satellite instructions and said router instructions are executable by said processor.    
   
   
       60 . The server computer as defined in  claim 59  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       61 . The server computer as defined in  claim 59  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       62 . The server computer as defined in  claim 60  wherein said router instructions route the download data to said plurality of client computers on the local area network irrespective of the client computers” operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer of the plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       63 . The server computer as defined in  claim 60  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       64 . The server computer as defined in  claim 63  wherein said storage medium is included in said server computer.  
   
   
       65 . The server computer as defined in  claim 63  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       66 . The server computer as defined in  claim 65  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       67 . The server computer as defined in  claim 60  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       68 . The server computer as defined in  claim 67  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       69 . The server computer as defined in  claim 60  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of local area networks.  
   
   
       70 . A server computer for providing access to a global communications network for a plurality of client computers on a computer network, the server computer comprising: 
 a network interface;    a satellite receiver interface;    a processor; and    at least one storage device, said storage device containing:    a network driver;    a satellite driver; and    router instructions, said router instructions operating to receive download data from the global communications network through a satellite receiver and through the satellite receiver interface and operating to route the download data to a plurality of client computers connected to a computer network through the network interface, irrespective of said client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each of said client computers, and wherein said router instructions are executable by said processor.    
   
   
       71 . A server computer for providing access to a global communications network for a plurality of client computers on a computer network, the server computer comprising: 
 a network interface;    a satellite receiver interface;    a processor; and    non-volatile memory, said non-volatile memory containing:    a network driver;    a satellite driver; and    router instructions, said router instructions operating to receive download data from the global communications network through a satellite receiver and through the satellite receiver interface and operating to route the download data to a local area network connected to a plurality of client computers through the network interface, irrespective of said client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each of said client computers, and wherein said router instructions are executable by said processor.    
   
   
       72 . A method for providing access to a global communications network for a plurality of client computers on a computer network, which comprises: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer; and    routing the download data from the server computer to the plurality of client computers connected to the computer network, irrespective of said client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each of said client computers.    
   
   
       73 . A computer-readable medium containing instructions for providing access to a global communications network for a plurality of client computers on a computer network, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer; and    routing the download data to the plurality of client computers, each of which is electrically connected to a computer network, irrespective of said client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each of said client computers, via the computer network.    
   
   
       74 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and at least one client computer on a computer network, the system comprising: 
 a satellite receiver operating to receive download data from the information provider;    a plurality of client computers on a computer network each of said client computers including first network hardware and first network software for communication with the information provider; and    a server computer, including second network hardware and second network software for communications with the computer network, in electronic communication with said satellite receiver and in electronic communication with the computer network, said server computer having satellite receiver interface software installed thereon operating to receive the download data from said satellite receiver and operating to route the download data to said plurality of client computers for use by the application software on each of said client computers, via the computer network, in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets; and said server computer network being programmed to route the download data to client computers on the computer network irrespective of the client computer's operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer of the plurality of client computers; and wherein said satellite receiver interface software further comprises the steps of: setting up RAM adapters; establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered; determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete.    
   
   
       75 . A server computer for communicating between a global communications network and at least one client computer on a computer network, the server computer comprising: 
 network hardware for connecting said server computer to the computer network;    communications hardware for enabling electronic communications with a satellite receiver operating to receive download data which is then sent to a client computer by the server computer via a computer network in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets;    a processor; and    a computer readable medium containing:    network instructions for communications between said server computer and the computer network;    satellite receiver interface software instructions for communications between said server computer and the satellite receiver;    router instructions, said router instructions operating to receive download data from the global communications network and operating to route the download data to at least one client computer on the computer network irrespective of the client computer's operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer of the plurality of client computers, and wherein said routing instructions further comprise: setting up RAM adapters; establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered;    determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete; and    wherein said network instructions, said satellite instructions and said router instructions are executable by said processor.    
   
   
       76 . The server computer as defined in  claim 75  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       77 . The server computer as defined in  claim 75  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       78 . The server as defined in  claim 76  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on the storage medium.  
   
   
       79 . The server computer as defined in  claim 78  wherein said storage medium is included in said server computer.  
   
   
       80 . The server computer as defined in  claim 78  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said at least one client computer.  
   
   
       81 . The server computer as defined in  claim 80  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       82 . The server computer as defined in  claim 76  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       83 . The server computer as defined in  claim 76  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       84 . The server computer as defined in  claim 76  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of local area networks.  
   
   
       85 . A method for providing access to a global communications network for at least one client computer on a computer network, which comprises: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer, said server computer having satellite receiver interface software installed thereon and said satellite receiver operating to receive download data; and    routing said received download data to at least one client computer via the computer network, in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets, irrespective of the client computer's operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer of the plurality of client computers, wherein said routing further comprises:    setting up RAM adapters; establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered; determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete.    
   
   
       86 . The method as defined in  claim 85  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       87 . The method as defined in  claim 85  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       88 . The method as defined in  claim 85  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       89 . The method as defined in  claim 88  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said at least one client computer.  
   
   
       90 . The method as defined in  claim 89  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       91 . The method as defined in  claim 85  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       92 . The method as defined in  claim 85  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       93 . The method as defined in  claim 85  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of computer networks.  
   
   
       94 . A computer readable medium containing instructions for providing access to a global communications network for at least one client computer on a computer network, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer, said server computer having satellite receiver interface software installed thereon, and said satellite receiver operating to receive download data; and    routing said received download data to at least one client computer via the computer network, in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets, irrespective of the client computer's operating system such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer, wherein said routing further comprises: setting up RAM adapters;    establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered; determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete.    
   
   
       95 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 94  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       96 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 94  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       97 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 94  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       98 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 97  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said at least one client computer.  
   
   
       99 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 98  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       100 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 94  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       101 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 95  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       102 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 94  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of computer networks.  
   
   
       103 . A communications system for communicating between an information provider and a client computer, the system comprising: 
 a satellite receiver operating to receive download data from the information provider;    a client computer;    a server computer in electronic communication with said satellite receiver and in electronic communication with said client computer, said server computer having satellite receiver interface software installed thereon operating to receive the download data from said satellite receiver and operating to route the download data to said client computer via a computer network in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets, and wherein said satellite receiver interface software further comprises the steps of: setting up RAM adapters;    establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered; determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete.    
   
   
       104 . The communications system as defined in  claim 103  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       105 . The communications system as defined in  claim 104  wherein said storage medium is included in said server computer.  
   
   
       106 . The communications system as defined in  claim 104  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       107 . The communications system as defined in  claim 106  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       108 . The communications system as defined in  claim 103  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       109 . The communications system as defined in  claim 103  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       110 . A server computer for communicating between a global communications network and a client computer, the server computer comprising: 
 first communications hardware for enabling electronic communications with the client computer, via a computer network in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets;    second communications hardware for enabling electronic communications between the server computer and a satellite receiver;    a processor; and    a computer readable medium containing:    communication instructions for communications between said server computer and the client computer;    satellite instructions, in the form of satellite receiver software, for communications between said server computer and the satellite receiver;    routing instructions operating to receive download data from the global communications network and operating to route the download data to the client computer, and wherein said routing instructions further comprise: setting up RAM adapters; establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered; determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete; and    wherein said communication instructions, said satellite instructions and said routing instructions are executable by said processor.    
   
   
       111 . The server computer as defined in  claim 110  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       112 . The server computer as defined in  claim 111  wherein said storage medium is included in said server computer.  
   
   
       113 . The server computer as defined in  claim 111  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       114 . The server computer as defined in  claim 113  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       115 . The server computer as defined in  claim 110  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       116 . The server computer as defined in  claim 110  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       117 . A method for providing access to a global communications network for a client computer, which comprises: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer, said server computer having satellite receiver interface software installed thereon; and    routing the download data from said satellite receiver to a client computer on a network, in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets, irrespective of the client computer's operating system such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer, wherein said routing further comprises: setting up RAM adapters;    establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered; determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete.    
   
   
       118 . The method as defined in  claim 117  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       119 . The method as defined in  claim 11   8  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       120 . The method as defined in  claim 1   9  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       121 . The method as defined in  claim 11   7  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       122 . The method as defined in  claim 11   7  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       123 . A computer-readable medium containing instructions for providing access to a global communications network for a client computer, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer, said server computer having satellite receiver interface software installed thereon, and said satellite receiver operating to receive download data; and    routing said download data to a client computer on a network such that the server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer, in order to provide the advantages of satellite communications for high volume download data packets, wherein said routing further comprises: setting up RAM adapters; establishing a timestamp for a received packet; testing whether said received packet is a package delivery or an Internet delivery; if said received packet is a package delivery, testing to determine if said packet will update a catalog, testing to determine if a site will be updated by said packet; determining whether an end-of-file has been encountered;    determining if a file within said packet is incomplete; and if said file is not incomplete marking said file as complete.    
   
   
       124 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 123  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       125 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 124  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       126 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 124  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       127 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 123  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       128 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 123  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       129 . A communications system for providing bi-directional electronic communications between users at client computers on a computer network and a global communications network, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, the system comprising: 
 a satellite receiver operating to receive download data from the global communications network;    a plurality of client computers on a computer network each of said client computers including first network hardware and first network software for communication with the computer network, each of said client computers also including application software for communications with the information provider;    a server computer, including second network hardware and second network software for communications with the computer network, in electronic communication with said satellite receiver and in electronic communication with the computer network, said server computer operating to receive the download data from said satellite receiver and operating to route the download data to said plurality of client computers for use by the application software on each of said client computers, irrespective of said client computers' operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each of said client computers, via the computer network; and said computer network connected to said plurality of client computers and connected to said server computer whereby said server computer provides routing for the download data to said plurality of client computers; and    a communications device, said communications device being in electronic communications with said server computer, upload data being provided to said communications device via said server computer, and said upload data being sent to the global communications network via said communications device.    
   
   
       130 . The communications system as defined in  claim 129  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       131 . The communications system as defined in  claim 129  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       132 . The communications system of  claim 129  wherein the upload data is sent at a substantially lower rate than the download data is being received.  
   
   
       133 . The communications system of  claim 129  wherein the bidirectional electronic communications is asymmetric.  
   
   
       134 . The communications system of  claim 129  wherein said communications device is capable of receiving additional download data.  
   
   
       135 . The communications system of  claim 129  wherein the communications device comprises a landline communications device.  
   
   
       136 . The communications system of  claim 129  wherein the communications device comprises a wireless communications device.  
   
   
       137 . The communications system as defined in  claim 129  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       138 . The communications system as defined in  claim 137  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       139 . The communications system as defined in  claim 138  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       140 . The communications system as defined in  claim 129  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       141 . The communications system as defined in  claim 129  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       142 . A computer-readable medium containing instructions for providing bi-directional electronic communications between a plurality of client computers on a computer network and a global communications network, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer, wherein said receiving downloaded data further comprises:    receiving a downloaded packet of data;    establishing a timestamp for said received packet of data;    testing whether said received packet of data is a package delivery or an Internet delivery, wherein if said packet of data is a package delivery providing the capability of broadcasting said packet of data to a plurality of client computers;    routing the download data to the plurality of client computers via the computer network;    receiving upload data from said plurality of client computers via the computer network; and    transmitting the upload data via a communications device to the information provider.    
   
   
       143 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       144 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       145 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 143  wherein said server computer is programmed to route the download data to said plurality of client computers on the local area network irrespective of the client computers” operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer of the plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       146 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein the communications device comprises a landline communications device.  
   
   
       147 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 146  wherein said landline communications device uses an ISDN connection.  
   
   
       148 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 146  wherein said landline communications device uses a T1 connection.  
   
   
       149 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 146  wherein said landline communications device comprises a modem.  
   
   
       150 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 146  wherein said landline communications device uses a frame-relay network.  
   
   
       151 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 146  wherein said landline communications device uses ATM.  
   
   
       152 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein the communications device comprises a wireless communications device.  
   
   
       153 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 152  wherein the wireless communications device uses a satellite link.  
   
   
       154 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein said computer-readable medium is included in the server computer.  
   
   
       155 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein said communications device comprises a satellite-based communications device.  
   
   
       156 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer's routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       157 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 156  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       158 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 156  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       159 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       160 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 143  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       161 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 142  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of computer networks.  
   
   
       162 . A method for providing bi-directional electronic communications between users at a plurality of client computers on a computer network and an information provider, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, which comprises: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer;    routing the download data to the plurality of client computers via the computer network, wherein said routing of said download data further comprises:    testing to determine whether said download data will update the catalog;    if the catalog will not be updated by said download data, testing to determine if the site will be updated by said download data;    if said site will not be updated, storing said downloaded data on a server computer storage device; and    testing to determine if said download data is complete;    receiving upload data from said plurality of client computers via the computer network; and    transmitting the upload data via a communications device to the information provider.    
   
   
       163 . The method as defined in  claim 162  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       164 . The method as defined in  claim 162  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       165 . The method as defined in  claim 162  wherein said server computer is programmed to route the download data to said plurality of client computers on the computer network irrespective of the client computers” operating systems such that said server computer does not require the same operating system for each client computer of the plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       166 . The method as defined in  claim 162  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer”' routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       167 . The method as defined in  claim 166  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       168 . The method as defined in  claim 167  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       169 . The method as defined in  claim 162  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       170 . The method as defined in  claim 163  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       171 . The method as defined in  claim 162  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of computer networks.  
   
   
       172 . A communications system for providing bidirectional electronic communications between at least one client computer on a computer network and a global communications network, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, the system comprising: 
 a satellite receiver operating to receive download data from the global communications network;    a plurality of client computers on a computer network;    a server computer in electronic communication with said satellite receiver and in electronic communication with the computer network, said server computer operating to receive the download data from said satellite receiver and operating to route the download data to at least one computer of said plurality of client computers, via the computer network, and wherein said server computer is programmed to route said download data to one or more of said plurality of client computers without requiring each of said plurality of client computers to have the same operating system; and    a communications device, said communications device being in electronic communications with said server computer, upload data being provided to said communications device via said server computer, and said upload data being sent to the global communications network via said communications device.    
   
   
       173 . The communications system as defined in  claim 172  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       174 . The communications system as defined in  claim 172  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       175 . The communications system as defined in  claim 172  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer”' routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       176 . The communications system as defined in  claim 175  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said at least one of said plurality of client computers.  
   
   
       177 . The communications system as defined in  claim 176  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       178 . The communications system as defined in  claim 175  wherein said storage medium is included in said server computer.  
   
   
       179 . The communications system as defined in  claim 172  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       180 . The communications system as defined in  claim 172  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       181 . The communications system as defined in  claim 172  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of local area networks.  
   
   
       182 . A computer-readable medium containing instructions for providing bi-directional electronic communications between at least one computer on a computer network and a global communications network, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer;    routing the download data to the plurality of client computers via the computer network, wherein said routing of said download data further comprises:    testing to determine whether said download data will update the catalog;    if the catalog will not be updated by said download data, testing to determine if the site will be updated by said download data;    if said site will not be updated, storing said downloaded data on a server computer storage device; and    testing to determine if said download data is complete;    receiving upload data from said at least one computer via the computer network; and    transmitting the upload data via a communications device to the information provider.    
   
   
       183 . The computer-readable-medium as defined in  claim 182  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       184 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 182  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       185 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 182  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer”' routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       186 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 185  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said at least one client computer.  
   
   
       187 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 186  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       188 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 182  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       189 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 183  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       190 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 182  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of computer networks.  
   
   
       191 . A method for providing bidirectional electronic communications between a client computer on a computer network and an information provider, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, which comprises: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer;    routing the download data to a client computer via the computer network, wherein said routing of said download data further comprises:    testing to determine if said download data is in transmission control protocol;    if said download data is not in transmission control protocol, transferring said download data to an IP stack;    if said download data is in transmission control protocol, testing to determine if a begin of section is being initiated;    if a begin of section is not being initiated, testing if an end of session has been encountered; and    if a begin of section is being initiated, testing to determine if a connection slot is available;    receiving upload data from said client computer via the computer network; and    transmitting the upload data via a communications device to the information provider.    
   
   
       192 . The method as defined in  claim 191  wherein said computer network is a local area network.  
   
   
       193 . The method as defined in  claim 191  wherein said computer network is a wide area network.  
   
   
       194 . The method as defined in  claim 191  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer”' routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       195 . The method as defined in  claim 194  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       196 . The method as defined in  claim 195  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       197 . The method as defined in  claim 191  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       198 . The method as defined in  claim 192  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       199 . The method as defined in  claim 191  wherein said server computer operates to route the download data to a plurality of computer networks.  
   
   
       200 . A communications system for providing bidirectional electronic communications between a client computer and a global communications network, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, the system comprising: 
 a satellite receiver operating to receive download data from the global communications network;    a client computer;    a server computer in electronic communication with said satellite receiver and in electronic communication with the client computer, said server computer operating programmed to receive the download data from said satellite receiver and operating to route the download data to the client computer, irrespective of the operating system of said client computer; and    a communications device, said communications device being in electronic communications with said server computer, upload data being provided to said communications device via said server computer, and said upload data being sent to the global communications network via said communications device.    
   
   
       201 . The communications system as defined in  claim 200  further comprising a storage medium wherein said server computer”' routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       202 . The communications system as defined in  claim 201  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       203 . The communications system as defined in  claim 202  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       204 . The communications system as defined in  claim 201  wherein said storage medium is included in said server computer.  
   
   
       205 . The communications system as defined in  claim 200  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       206 . The communications system as defined in  claim 202  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       207 . A computer-readable medium containing instructions for providing bidirectional electronic communications between a client computer and a global communications network, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, wherein the instructions comprise executable instructions for implementing a method comprising: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in electronic communication with a server computer, the server computer being in electronic communication with the client computer;    routing the download data to a client computer, wherein said routing of said download data further comprises:    testing to determine if said download data is in transmission control protocol;    if said download data is not in transmission control protocol, transferring said download data to an IP stack;    if said download data is in transmission control protocol, testing to determine if a begin of section is being initiated;    if a begin of section is not being initiated, testing if an end of session has been encountered; and    if a begin of section is being initiated, testing to determine if a connection slot is available;    receiving upload data from the client computer; and    transmitting the upload data via a communications device to the information provider.    
   
   
       208 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 207  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer'” routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       209 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 208  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       210 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 209  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       211 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 208  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       212 . The computer-readable medium as defined in  claim 211  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.  
   
   
       213 . A method for providing bi-directional electronic communications between a client computer and an information provider, the electronic communications including both the reception and transmission of data, which comprises: 
 receiving download data from a satellite receiver in communication with a geosynchronous satellite and in electronic communication with a server computer, said download data being received in response to a request from a client computer transmitted over a telephone land line, the server computer being in electronic communication with the client computer;    routing the download data to the client computer;    receiving upload data from the client computer; and    transmitting the upload data via a communications device to the information provider.    
   
   
       214 . The method as defined in  claim 213  wherein the server computer further comprises a storage medium and wherein said server computer”' routing of the download data includes storing the download data on said storage medium.  
   
   
       215 . The method as defined in  claim 214  wherein said storage medium is an intermediate storage medium and wherein the download data is stored on said intermediate storage medium prior to receipt of the download data by said client computer.  
   
   
       216 . The method as defined in  claim 215  wherein said intermediate storage medium includes a cache.  
   
   
       217 . The method as defined in  claim 213  wherein said server computer runs a server operating system.  
   
   
       218 . The method as defined in  claim 217  wherein said server computer routes the download data using a standard local area network protocol.