Remote computer communication

Abstract

A user of a remote typically has a choice of multiple access methods and telephone numbers using which the user can connect his remote computer to a local computer or a local area network. The remote user often user faces several problems. These problems include first knowing what numbers and access methods the user has a choice of, and knowing the cost of using those numbers and access methods. This first problem is exasperated by a large number of available access points, changes of access telephone numbers, changes in telephone and network access rates, and changes in quality of service provided by various service providers. Distributing, storing, and searching a comprehensive directory of access numbers and associated costs would, in general, be prohibitive on remote computers with limited storage and computation capacity, such as portable computers typically often used by mobile workers. Furthermore, if the user is not successful in establishing a desired communication path, several courses of action may be available to the user. The user's second problem involves choosing an appropriate course of action which, in general, requires a diagnosis of the problem encountered in making the desired connection.