Patent ID: 6665290
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A method of connecting a terminal to a data network, wherein the connection is made through one of a plurality of data network access servers coupled to the data network, the method comprising:receiving an initial data network access request from the terminal, the request being directed to a first address predefined at the terminal, wherein said first address predefined at the terminal is a first telephone number (B-number); in response to said initial request, allocating to the terminal a first transmission channel on one of the data network access servers for which the in-use fraction of the communication bandwidth is less than a predefined fraction; delivering to the terminal a new data network access address using an appropriate protocol, wherein said new data network access address is a second telephone number (B-number); receiving a subsequent access request from the terminal directed to said new data network access address; in response to said subsequent access request, allocating to the terminal a further transmission channel on the data network access server on which said first channel is already provided, even if the in-use fraction of the communication bandwidth of the data network access server exceeds said predefined fraction.