Patent ID: 7876775
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
1. A method of making a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection to a remote network, the method comprising: detecting, at a DSL modem coupled to a local network, a presence of a powered-on network capable device that is connected to the DSL modem via the local network, the local network including at least one network capable device that contains a graphical activation display icon to illustrate a connection status of the powered-on network capable device with respect to the DSL modem, wherein in response to receiving a user command, the graphical activation display icon selectively connects the powered-on network capable device to the DSL modem via a point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connection; establishing a network connection over a DSL line to a remote network after detecting the presence of the powered-on network capable device that is connected to the DSL modem on the local network; disconnecting the network connection over the DSL line to the remote network in response to detecting an absence of one or more powered-on network capable devices of the at least one network capable device connected to the DSL modem on the local network; disconnecting the network connection over the DSL line to the remote network in response to receiving a second user command to disconnect the PPPoE connection; releasing network resources supported by the remote network after the network connection is disconnected; assigning a dynamic lease to the powered-on network capable device; determining when the dynamic lease expires; and disconnecting the network connection over the DSL line after detecting that the dynamic lease has expired.