Signaling mechanism for modem connection holding and reconnecting

A communication method for use by a first modem in communication with a second modem over a communication link, said first modem and said second modem being capable of performing a modem retrain process according to the V.90 modem protocol, said communication method comprising the steps of:

• detecting an interruption on said communication link by said first modem;
• starting said modem retrain process by transmitting a first tone by said first modem to said second modem in response to said interruption;
• receiving a second tone by said first modem from said second modem during said step of transmitting said first tone;
• and
• responding to a modified said modem retrain process for performing a modem on hold process, said modem on hold process including:
• receiving a hold request by said first modem from said second modem, after said step of receiving said second tone and during said step of transmitting said first tone.

A first modem for communication with a second modem over a communication link, said first modem and said second modem being capable of performing a modem retrain process according to the V.90 modem protocol, said first modem comprising:

• a receiver capable of detecting an alert signal, wherein said receiver receives a first tone from said second modem after receiving said alert signal;
• and
• a transmitter capable of transmitting a second tone in response to said alert signal, starting said modem retrain process by transmitting a third tone while said receiver is receiving said first tone, and modifying said modem retrain process to perform a modem on hold process, said modem on hold process including transmitting a request to said second modem as a result of detecting said alert signal while said receiver is receiving said first tone;
• wherein said request is to place said communication on hold.

A first modem for communication with a second modem over a communication link, said first modem and said second modem being capable of performing a modem retrain process according to the V.90 modem protocol, said first modem comprising:

• a receiver capable of detecting an interruption in said communication;
• and
• a transmitter capable of starting said modem retrain process by transmitting a first tone to said second modem as a result of detecting said interruption;
• wherein, while said transmitter transmits said first tone to said second modem, said receiver responds to a modified said modem retrain process for performing a modem on hold process, said modem on hold process including:
• receiving a second tone followed by a request from said second modem after detecting said interruption, and wherein said request is to place said communication on hold.