Patent ID: 6018770
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method of managing connections between a plurality of point-of-sale terminals and a host system via a packet-switched network, the method comprising the steps of:providing a gateway computer that forms a bridge between the point-of-sale terminals and the host system;embedding connection identification information into a terminal request packet generated by the point-of-sale terminals when a connection is to be established to the host system, the connection identification information including a terminal connection identification variable;transmitting the terminal request packet to the gateway;verifying that the gateway and the point-of-sale terminal transmitting the terminal request packet are synchronized by comparing the terminal connection identification variable to a gateway connection identification variable stored at the gateway, wherein the gateway connection identification variable is associated with the particular point-of-sale terminal transmitting the terminal request packet; andif the gateway and point-of-sale terminal are synchronized, then creating a connection between the gateway and the host system.