Patent ID: 6198920
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
A router for use in a system comprising a first device and a plurality of remote devices, the first device being connected to a plurality of networks so that the plurality of networks can be monitored during a transmission, each of the remote devices being connected to one network or the plurality of networks so that the plurality of networks can be monitored during the transmission, at least two of the networks being dissimilar, autonomous, parallel, and connected to both the first device and a selected one of the remote devices, the router comprising:a first interface for connecting to the plurality of parallel dissimilar networks;a second interface for connecting to the selected remote device;a monitoring system that monitors the status of the plurality of parallel dissimilar networks connected to the selected remote device, the plurality of parallel dissimilar networks being available for data transmission; anda selector that selects at least one available network from the plurality of parallel dissimilar networks for transporting data between the first device and the selected remote device when a single transmission is initiated,wherein the transmission can occur over the plurality of parallel dissimilar networks when the single transmission is initiated; andwherein the transmission occurs while the router switches from a first one of the plurality of parallel dissimilar networks to a second one of the plurality of parallel dissimilar networks.