Dual-band modem and service
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorVinay Gupta
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A communications device, method and service are provided that integrate broadband and dial-up internet access in a seamless service package. A modem is provided that combines both broadband and dial-up connectivity in a single device. The modem includes an auto-sense procedure for switching between the two types of connections. Additionally, a connectivity utility allows a user to interact with a modem that combines both broadband and dial-up connectivity in a single device. The connectivity utility receives various event notifications from the modem and provides the user with the ability to receive off or on-line help, current modem or connection status, the status of an order for service, control of modem parameters, billing information, and other features.
Claims48
A unitary communications component for use in a computing device to establish a data connection between the computing device and a second device, the communications component comprising:
- components operable to establish and maintain an analog connection between the computing device and second device;
- and
- components operable to establish and maintain a digital connection between the computing device and second device, and wherein the communications component is configurable to interact with a software device that provides notifications to the computing device related to changes in a connection status.
A system for connecting a first device to a second device comprising:
- a communications device to establish and maintain at least an analog and digital connection between the first and second devices;
- and
- a connectivity utility in communication with the communications device, wherein the connectivity utility determines if a connection is available using a first method in a pre-activation state and using a second method in a post-activation state.
A system for connecting a first device to a second device comprising:
- a means for establishing and maintaining a dial-up connection;
- a means for establishing and maintaining a DSL connection;
- and
- a means for interacting with a software device that provides notifications to the first or second device related to changes in a connection status.
The system of 30 further comprising determining when to sense the availability of a connection by one of the following methods:
- checking for the availability of a connection at timed intervals;
- checking for the availability of a connection constantly;
- checking for the availability of a connection based on a user indication;
- or
- checking for the availability of a connection based on an indication from a source other than the user.
A computer-readable storage medium containing computer-executable instructions for implementing a connectivity utility program for communicating with a first modem, the first modem in communication with a server computer, wherein the connectivity utility;
- is configured to:
- provide to a computing device notifications related to changes in a connection status;
- and
- obtain from the server computer service status information, the service status information comprising at least one of the following:
- an approximate time for when a phone company is scheduled to enable a user's line for a DSL connection;
- an approximate time for when a DSL connection is scheduled to be available;
- whether a second modem has been dispatched to the user;
- an approximate time a dispatched modem is scheduled to arrive;
- or
- an approximate time for when a DSL service will be available after an interruption in service.
A method for providing internet access to a computing device, the method comprising:
- supplying a modem and a connectivity utility program;
- wherein the modem is operable to establish and maintain a dial-up connection and a broadband connection, and wherein the utility program provides notifications to the computing device related to changes in connection status.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.