US 4,996,685 A · Technique for dynamically changing an ISDN connection during a host session

Abstract

A technique is disclosed for use in conjunction with an ISDN communications system for permitting a host computer, that is executing a host session with a user and is connected through the system, to dynamically change an ISDN access path, that connects the user to the host computer and carries the host session therebetween, between a packet switched connection and a circuit switched connection during the occurrence of the session in order to provide the particular connection that is most suited to the communication requirements of a task currently being executed during the session by the host computer. Any such dynamic change of the ISDN access path is invoked by the host computer, does not disrupt the host session and is substantially transparent to the user.

Claims16

Dependent claims

Apparatus for dynamically changing an access path having a plurality of different communication performance attributes between a first connection having one set of said attributes and a second connection having a different set of said attributes during an ongoing host session carried over said access path in order to provide the particular one of said first and second connections that is most suited to the current communication needs of said session, said apparatus comprising:

means for connection to one end of said access path and to a host computer for instructing a communication system that provides said access path to change a connection provided over said access path between said first and second connections in response to a command received from the host computer during execution of said host session, said instructing means comprising:
means for establishing an interface to the host computer to begin said host session and for maintaining the interface substantially throughout the remainder of the host session;
and
means, responsive to said interface and for connection to said one end of the access path, for receiving a command over said interface from said host computer requesting a change in the connection provided over the access path between said first and second connections and for supplying the command over said access path in a pre-defined form as an instruction to said communication system so as to effectuate said requested change.

1 more element

A method for dynamically changing an access path having a plurality of different communication performance attributes between a first connection having one set of said attributes and a second connection having a different set of said attributes during an ongoing host session carried over said access path in order to provide the particular one of said first and second connections that is most suited to the current communication needs of said session comprising the steps of:

instructing a communication system that provides said access path to change a connection provided over said access path between said first and second connections in response to a command received from the host computer during execution of said host session, said instructing step comprising:
establishing an interface to the host computer to begin said host session;
maintaining the interface substantially throughout the remainder of the host session;
receiving a command over said interface from said host computer requesting a change in the connection provided over the access path between said first and second connections;
and
supplying the command over said access path in a pre-defined form as an instruction to said communication system so as to effectuate said requested change.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Technique for dynamically changing an ISDN connection during a host session

Life of this patent

Technique for dynamically changing an ISDN connection during a host session

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16