Patent ID: 6031867
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: G06F,H04L,H04M,Y02D

Abstract:
A system for updating operating code in a reprogrammable modem the updated orating code being downloaded from a remote computer via telephone lines, comprising:a field-upgradable modem having;communications interface means connected for communicating with a local host computer and operable for transferring data between the local host computer and the modem telephone line interface means for connection to the telephone line;control means connected to the telephone line interface means and the communications interface means for executing exiting operating code to control the modem;memory means connected to the control means for storing the existing operating code and for storing a boot program;the control means further operable for executing the boot program to receive updated operating code packets from the local host computer, for checking the validity of the packets and replacing the existing operating code in the memory means with the updated operating code received by the communications interface means from the local host computer;the local host computer executing software to communicate with the remote computer through the modem connected to the telephone line and operable for initiating a telephone call to the remote computer in response to the commands by a local user of the local host computer and for controlling downloading of the updated operating code from the remote computer to the local host computer; andthe local host computer further executing software to communicate with the modem through the communications interface, to place the updated operating code into updated operating code packets and to control transfer of said updated operating code packets from the local host computer to the modem over the communications interface.