Network interface device having primary and backup interfaces for automatic dial backup upon loss of a primary connection and method of using same
OwnerRichard J. Hibbardinventor
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Abstract
A network interface device to connect a network to a virtual private network comprises a primary interface to a public network, such as an Ethernet interface to a WAN or the Internet, and a secondary, back-up interface to the public network. The secondary back-up connection is activated automatically when the primary connection fails. The network interface device may be provided with further functionality that enables secure communication over both the primary and secondary connection
Claims14
A network interface device comprising:
- a primary interface to interface with a public network over a primary connection;
- a back-up interface to interface with the public network when the primary connection fails;
- and
- a back-up utility for monitoring whether a primary connection between the primary interface and the public network has failed and for activating a secondary connection between the back-up interface and the public network when the primary connection fails.
A method for automatically activating a back-up connection to a public network when a primary connection to the public network fails, the method comprising:
- providing a network interface device comprising a primary interface to interface with a public network over a primary connection, and a back-up interface to interface with the public network when the primary connection fails;
- monitoring the primary interface to determine whether the primary connection has failed;
- and
- automatically connecting to the public network through the back-up interface to provide a secondary connection thereto when the primary connection fails.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.