Method and apparatus for switching between internet service provider gateways

A machine-readable medium whose contents cause a computer system to switch a connection between a client computer and a first intermediary computer to a connection between the client computer and a second intermediary computer, by performing the steps of:

• displaying a user interface for selecting between the first and second intermediary computers at the client computer;
• receiving a selection for the second intermediary computer;
• storing a first address assigned to the client computer by the second intermediary computer in a translation table;
• and
• performing address translation for packets communicated between the client computer and the second intermediary computer by a client proxy using said translation table.

A method for performing address translation, comprising:

• selecting a packet that has been communicated between a client computer and an intermediary computer, said packet having an address;
• receiving said packet by a client proxy;
• retrieving said address from said packet;
• comparing said retrieved address with an address stored in a translation table;
• and
• replacing said retrieved address with said stored address in accordance with said comparison.

An apparatus for packet address translation, comprising:

• a client computer;
• an intermediary computer;
• a network connecting said client and intermediary computers, said network communicating packets between said computers;
• and
• a client proxy residing at said client computer, said client proxy performing address translation for said packets.