Patent ID: 6137792
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for the transmission of data packets from a source computer coupled to a packet-switched computer network via a first router, to a destination computer coupled to said packet-switched computer network via a second router, said first router and said second router being permanently coupled to the packet-switched computer network via a packet-switched connection and being selectively coupled to a bypass network via a circuit-switched connection, said second router having an address on said bypass network, said method comprising the steps of:(a) designating said data packets as requiring transmission via said bypass network;(b) transmitting said designated data packets from said source computer to said first router;(c) detecting said bypass network data packet designation at said first router;(d) determining said bypass network address of said second router;(e) establishing the circuit-switched connection across the bypass network between said first router and said second router by causing said first router to dial a telephone number associated with said second router while maintaining the packet-switched connection;(f) transmitting said designated data packets from said first router to said second router via said bypass network while maintaining the packet-switched connection; and(g) transmitting said designated data packets from said second router to said destination computer.