Scaleable network system for remote access of a local network

A scaleable and distributed network system that provides a plurality of communication links between a plurality of remote client devices and at least one local area network (LAN), the network system comprising:

• an access server for coupling to the LAN that executes a network operating system (NOS) to enable communication between the LAN and client devices;
• an access bus;
• an access card coupled to said access bus and for coupling to said access server to establish a plurality of communication links to the LAN, wherein said access card receives port information associated with client devices coupled through said access bus to access the LAN, and establishes and maintains communication between the LAN and client devices via said NOS;
• at least one multiport configuration device coupled to said access bus, comprising:
• a plurality of port slots;
• and
• communication logic coupled to said plurality of port slots and said access bus for detecting connection of client devices through said plurality of port slots, for sending corresponding port information across said access bus, and for establishing and maintaining a communication link between client devices and said access card;
• and
• a plurality of communication cards, each configured to interface one of said plurality of port slots of said multiport configuration device, to communicate with at least one client device across a wide area network (WAN) connection and to transfer data between said communication logic and said at least one client device.

A wide area network (WAN), comprising:

• a plurality of remote clients;
• a local area network (LAN);
• an access server, including:
• memory;
• at least one processor coupled to said memory that executes a network operating system (NOS);
• an expansion bus coupled to said at least one processor and including a plurality of expansion slots, each expansion slot configured to receive an expansion card;
• and
• a LAN card coupled to said LAN and configured as an expansion card for plugging into one of said plurality of expansion slots to enable communication between said NOS and said LAN;
• an access bus;
• an expansion access card coupled to said access bus and plugged into one of said expansion slots of said access server that cooperates with said NOS to establish a communication link between said access server and each of said plurality of remote clients;
• at least one multiport device coupled to said access bus, each comprising:
• a plurality of port slots;
• a system bus coupled to said port slots;
• and
• interface logic coupled to said system bus and said access bus;
• and
• a plurality of communication cards, each configured to plug into one of said plurality of port slots of said multiport device and each coupled to a corresponding one of said plurality of remote clients via a WAN connection.