Modem host interface in a digital subscriber line telecommunication system

A first modem comprising:

• an interface for coupling to a host computer, wherein the host computer has a memory operable to store a computer program and control circuitry for receiving a plurality of commands in response to the computer program, the plurality of commands comprising a request to establish a line connection according to a specified one of a plurality of modes;
• processing circuitry responsive to the plurality of commands, and for issuing messages to a second modem in response to certain ones of the plurality of commands;
• wherein for a first of the plurality of modes the processing circuitry transmits a message to the second modem such that the requested line connection between the first modem and the second modem is for a first period of time;
• and
• wherein for a second of the plurality of modes the processing circuitry transmits a message to the second modem such that the requested line connection between the first modem and the second modem is for a second period of time having a different duration than the first period of time.

A method of communicating between a first modem and a second modem, comprising the steps of:

• receiving from control circuitry of a host computer coupled to the first modem a plurality of commands in response to a computer program in a memory of the host computer storing a computer program, the plurality of commands comprising a request to establish a line connection according to a specified one of a plurality of modes;
• communicating from the first modem toward the second modem a message corresponding to the request to establish a line connection according to a specified one of a plurality of modes;
• wherein a first of the plurality of modes is such that the requested line connection between the first modem and the second modem is for a first period of time;
• and
• wherein a second of the plurality of modes is such that the requested line connection between the first modem and the second modem is for a second period of time having a different duration than the first period of time.