Patent Publication Number: US-2005135382-A1

Title: Connection management system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The present disclosure relates generally to communications, and more particularly to troubleshooting network connectivity.  
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
      The popularity of the worldwide-web has led to an increasing demand for increased data rates from consumers. This increasing demand has led to the development of broadband solutions for the consumer market. These broadband solutions include integrated service digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable modems. However, increased bandwidths and data rates result in increased complexity for consumers to manage when connecting to the internet through an internet service provider (ISP).  
      One of the first solutions to solving these problems was to send technicians to install DSL modems and ISDN lines at each customer&#39;s premises. Further, the services are often subject to some outages, for which a technician could be required. However, using a technician is costly for the service provider, and the cost is ultimately passed on to the consumers. Thus, to make DSL more available to consumers, through lower prices, service providers developed a software solution to allow consumers to connect themselves and troubleshoot their connections to the service provider. These software solutions are efficient in that they allow the customers to troubleshoot their own DSL modems without waiting a day or more for a technician to repair service. However, the software typically consumes a large amount of system resources. Moreover, the software can conflict with customers&#39; systems and provide problems for the user apart from the DSL modem. Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods that address these and/or other perceived shortcomings of the prior art.  
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      One embodiment, among others, of the present disclosure provides for a modem system. A representative system, among others, includes a processor, a memory and an input/output interface. The processor typically executes computer executable code installed on the modem in the memory. The memory is typically coupled to the processor and stores a connection management program. The input/output interface is coupled to the processor and receives data from, and sends data to, a remote server and provides data to, and receives data from, a local computer. The input/output interface further provides an interface for the connection management program to the computer.  
      A representative method, among others, includes the following steps: receiving a request from a user to initiate internet data service; providing the user with a modem for internet data service, the modem comprising a connection management program operable to assist the user in setting up the modem and internet data service; and, supplying internet data service to the user. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
      The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of a typical DSL modem connection to the internet through an ISP.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of the DSL modem shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a positive status screen representation the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 4  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a negative status screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 5  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a server details screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 6  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a server details report screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 7  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a repair center screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 8  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a computer details screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 9  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a computer details report screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 10  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of an advanced options screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 11  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a computer verifier screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 12  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a connection test screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 13  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “FastAccess” details screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 14  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “FastAccess” details report screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 15  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of an internet details screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 16  is a screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of an internet details report screen representation of the connection manager of  FIG. 2 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Embodiments of the disclosure now will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are intended to convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, all “examples” given herein are intended to be non-limiting.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1 , shown is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of a typical computer  100  using a DSL modem  105  to connect to the internet  110  through an ISP  115 . A consumer user with a DSL subscription typically connects to the internet  110  using the same twisted pair cable that is used for telephone wiring. Thus, the DSL modem  105  and the telephone  120  communicate over the same communication medium. Typically this is achieved by reserving the 0-4 kHz range for plain-old telephone service (POTS) communications, and using the range of frequencies above 4 kHz for data communication. Moreover, many consumers use an asymmetric DSL (ADSL) service that provides more downstream bandwidth than upstream bandwidth. Thus, the frequencies above 4 kHz are typically split between upstream data communication and downstream data communication. However, one skilled in the art should immediately recognize that there are numerous variations to the basic DSL service provided to most consumers. These can include, among many others, adding another twisted pair to increase DSL data rates such as in high-bit rate DSL (HDSL), adding more voice channels in frequency ranges above 4 kHz, or increasing the size of the transmitted data constellation.  
      The DSL modem  105  typically generates a signal that is transmitted to a central office (CO)  125 , at which point the signal is typically filtered to remove the POTS frequency band signal using a DSL access multiplexer (DSLAM). The (CO) typically uses an ATM or frame relay switch to transfer the data signal to a packet network  130 . The packet network  130  typically communicates the data signal to an ISP  115 . Moreover, for legal reasons, the ISP  115  is typically under a separate entity than the local exchange carrier (LEC).  
      Furthermore, after separating the voice signal from the data signal, the DSLAM sends the voice signal to a circuit switch where it is passed through the PSTN  140  to its ultimate destination. One skilled in the art should recognize that the term PSTN  140  may embody part of the CO functions as they pertain to switching telephone calls. Thus, the PSTN  140  is drawn to partly encompass the CO  125  so as to show that the PSTN  140  includes some of the CO hardware. However, one skilled in the art should recognize that the vast majority of the PSTN  140  exists outside of the CO  125  and outside of the LEC  135 .  
      It should also be understood that in consumer applications the DSL modem  105  typically includes a high pass filter to filter out the 0-4 kHz frequencies, and the phone is typically connected to a micro-splitter  145 , which filters out the high frequencies that are reserved for data transmission. However, one skilled in the art should recognize that a single splitter is installed to separate the data and voice signals such that a the DSL modem does not have a high pass filter. The single splitter configuration is typically used in higher end systems such as would be used by small businesses or local area networks (LANs).  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , shown is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of the DSL modem  105  shown in  FIG. 1 . Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the DSL modem  105  includes a processor  200 , memory  210 , and one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices  220  (or peripherals) that are communicatively coupled via a local interface  230 . The local interface  230  is, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface  230  typically has additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communications. Further, the local interface includes address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.  
      The processor  200  is a hardware device for executing software, particularly that stored in memory  210 . The processor  200  is typically any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the DSL modem  210 , a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing software instructions.  
      The memory  210  includes any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, the memory  210  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory  210  in some implementations have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remote from one another, but can be accessed by the processor  210 .  
      The software in memory  210  includes one or more separate programs  240 ,  250 , each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of  FIG. 2 , the software in the memory  210  includes the connection manager  250  and a suitable operating system (O/S)  240 . The operating system  240  essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, such as the connection manager  250 , and provides scheduling, input-output control, memory management, and communication control and related services.  
      The connection manager  250  are source programs, executable program (object code), script, or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When a source program, then the program needs to be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not be included within the memory  210 , so as to operate properly in connection with the O/S  250 . Furthermore, the connection manager  250  is typically written as (a) an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods, or (b) a procedure programming language, which has routines, subroutines, and/or functions, for example but not limited to, C, C++, Pascal, Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Perl, Java, and Ada.  
      The I/O devices  220  typically includes input devices, for example but not limited to, an RJ-45 or RJ-11 jack for sending/receiving a DSL signal to/from a CO  125  and an ethernet or universal serial bus (USB) jack for sending/receiving the DSL signal to/from the computer  100 . Finally, the I/O devices  220  may further include devices that communicate both inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, etc.  
      When the DSL modem  105  is in operation, the processor  200  is configured to execute software stored within the memory  210 , to communicate data to and from the memory  210 , and to generally control operations of the DSL modem  105  pursuant to the software. The connection manager  250  and the O/S  240 , in whole or in part, but typically the latter, are read by the processor  200 , perhaps buffered within the processor  200 , and then executed.  
      When the connection manager  250  is implemented in software, as is shown in  FIG. 2 , it should be noted that the connection manager  250  is stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that contains or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. The connection manager  250  in various implementations is embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” is any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium is typically, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium in some implementations is even paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.  
      The connection manager  250  shown operates to diagnose problems with the user&#39;s connection and/or hardware, and network problems as known in the art. The connection manager  250  stored and executed on the DSL modem  105  saves system resources for the user&#39;s computer. Moreover, the connection manager stored and executed on the modem reduces problems with compatibility between the software and the computer  105 . Further, the connection manager stored and executed on the modem provides remote diagnostics for providing technical assistance to the user. The connection manager stored and executed on the DSL modem  105  also facilitates software upgrades by the service provider without the fear of corrupting a user&#39;s data or creating software/hardware conflicts on the user&#39;s computer.  
      The connection manager  250  in some implementations is programmed to provide the computer  100  with a video stream diagnostic screen for the DSL modem  105 . The video stream is displayed, in one embodiment, among others, on the computer  100  using an internet browser. In particular the video stream typically includes information about data rate, server problems, network problems, modem problems, etc. Under each category the programmer typically defines subcategories for failures. For example, among others, the server category would include subcategories, among others, of web server, newsgroup server, and e-mail server. A failure for one of these subcategories typically leads to a failure for the server category.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of an opening screen representation  300  of the communications manager of  FIG. 2 . Typically each of the subsequent screen representations include at least the contents of the opening screen representation  300 . In particular, the opening screen representation includes an overall status indicator  305 . The opening status indicator  305  is typically either positive or negative, and includes a short description about the status. The connection manager typically includes a menu representation  310  which enables a user to view options, scheduled outages, and/or seek help with using the connection manager.  
      The connection manager  250  also typically includes a plurality of button representations  315 - 350 . The button representations  315 - 350  can typically include, among others: a “Refresh” button representation  315 ; a “Computer” button representation  320 ; a “FastAccess” button representation  325 ; an “Internet” button representation  330 ; a “Servers” button representation  335 ; a “Monitoring” button representation  340 ; a “Repair” button representation  345 ; and, a “Bulletin” button representation  350 . The “Refresh” button representation  315 , when selected, typically instructs the connection manager to perform a variety of tests to determine if the connection is running. The “Computer” button representation  320 , when selected, typically requests a computer diagnostics screen representation as shown in  FIG. 8 . The “FastAccess” button representation  325 , when selected, typically requests a connection diagnostics screen representation as shown in  FIG. 13 . The “Internet” button representation  330 , when selected, typically requests an internet diagnostics screen representation as shown in  FIG. 15 . The “Servers” button representation  335 , when selected, typically requests a server diagnostic screen representation as shown in  FIG. 5 . The “Monitoring” button representation  340  typically shows the user whether the system is being monitored. The “Repair” button representation  345 , when selected, typically enables the user to attempt to diagnose and perform repairs as shown in  FIG. 7 . The “Bulletin” button representation  350  typically enables a user to view any postings made by the service provider related to the service.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 4 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of an opening screen representation when a problem exists. Typically this screen representation  400  is similar to the screen shot of  FIG. 3 . However, the status representation  405  on the screen representation  400  includes a negative status indication denoting a problem. The status representation  405  also gives a synopsis of the problem. In this example embodiment, among others, the problem is with a web server at the ISP. Moreover, the “Servers” button representation  435  includes a problem indication.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 5 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a server details screen representation  500  of the connection manager  250 . In particular the screen representation  500  typically includes a server details status representation  505 . The status representation  505  typically includes a list of items  510 - 520 , which the connection manager  250  is configured to track. In particular, the connection manager  250  is typically operable to track a web server indicated by the web server status representation  510 , a newsgroup server indicated by the newsgroup server status representation  515  and an e-mail server indicated by the e-mail server status representation  520 .  
      The user typically generates a report on the problem by selecting the “Report” button representation  525 . The report includes a number of subcomponents which will help the user to determine a cause for the problem. A sample report is shown with respect to  FIG. 6 . Typically the report will include details about the results of various attempts to contact machines associated with the specified activity (e.g. e-mail).  
      The connection manager  250  also typically includes a “Repair Center” button representation  530  and an “Advanced” button representation  535 . The “Repair Center” button representation  530 , when selected, requests a repair center screen representation, shown with respect to  FIG. 7 . The repair center screen representation typically helps users determine what sort(s) of adjustments may be helpful in resuming service. The “Advanced” button representation  535 , when selected, requests an advanced options screen representation, as shown with respect to  FIG. 10 . The advanced options screen representation typically enables users to test their systems and connections.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 6 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a report screen representation  600  of the connection manager  250 . The report screen representation  600  typically includes a report representation  605 . The report representation includes the results a number of diagnostic tests performed on the particular component for which the user requested the report be created. Moreover, the report includes a “Repair Center” button representation  610 , which, when selected, provides the user with suggested repairs based upon the problem encountered by the connection manager  250 .  
      The connection manager  250  also provides a “Send Report” button representation  615 , a “&lt;&lt;Back” button representation  620 , and a “Close Report” button representation  625 . The “Send Report” button representation  615 , when selected, instructs the connection manager  250  to send the report to a helpdesk. The “&lt;&lt;Back” button representation  620 , when selected, returns to the previous screen representation. The “Close Report” button representation  625 , when selected, closes the report section of the screen representation.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 7 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a repair center screen representation  700 . The repair center screen representation  700  typically includes a suggestions representation  705 . The suggestions representation  705 , as known in the art typically provides suggestions for possible solutions which can be performed by the user. The repair center screen representation  700  also typically includes a “Repair Utilities” section representation  710 , a “Tech Support Info” section representation  715 , and a “You&#39;re Connected” section representation. The “Repair Utilities” section representation  710  typically provides links to downloadable utilities/apps which help to diagnose a connection problem. The “Tech Support Info” section representation  715  typically provides links to the ISP&#39;s technical support staff. The “You&#39;re Connected” section representation  720  typically provides a link to the technical support website. The connection manager  250  also provides a “Close” button representation  725 , which, when selected, will close the repair center portion of the screen representation  700 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “Computer Details” screen representation  800 . The “Computer Details” screen representation  800  is typically accessed by selecting the “Computer” button representation  320 . The “Computer Details” screen representation  800  typically includes a “Computer Details” section representation  805 . The “Computer Details” section representation  805  includes a list of items on the user&#39;s system that are monitored by the connection manager  250  and a current status regarding those items.  
      The “Computer Details” screen representation  800  typically includes a plurality of button representations which include, among others: a “Repair Center” button representation  810 , an “Advanced” button representation  815 , a “Report” button representation  820 , and a “Close” button representation  830 . The “Repair Center” button representation  810 , when selected, typically retrieves a repair center screen representation, similar to the screen representation of  FIG. 7 . The “Advanced” button representation  815 , when selected, typically retrieves an advanced options screen representation, as shown with respect to  FIG. 10 . The “Report” button representation  820 , when selected, typically instructs the connection manager  250  to create a report of the computer details. Creating the report typically entails running diagnostics on the users computer and displaying them to the user as shown with respect to  FIG. 9 . The “Close” button representation  730 , when selected, typically closes the computer details section of the “Computer Details” screen representation  800 . The connection manager  250  also typically provides a “Tip” section representation  825  to the user. The “Tip” section representation typically includes a short explanation of the items that are displayed on the “Computer Details” screen representation  800 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 9 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a computer report screen representation  900  of the connection manager  250 . The computer report screen representation  900  typically includes a test section  905 . The test section is typically a list of items related to the user&#39;s computer upon which diagnostic tests can be run, the result and a more detailed analysis of the result. The computer report screen representation  900  further includes a plurality of button representations  910 - 925 . The plurality of button representations include, among others: a “Repair Center” button representation  910 , a “Send Report” button representation  915 , a “&lt;&lt;Back” button representation  920 , and a “Close Report” button representation  925 . Each of these button representations  910 - 925  was explained with respect to  FIG. 6 , and one skilled in the art should recognize that these button representations  910 - 925  perform similar functions respective to the current report.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 10 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of an “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000  of the connection manager  250 . The “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000  typically includes a list representation  1005  including advanced diagnostic tests that can be performed on the user&#39;s computer. Typically, the “Advanced Options” screen representation also includes a description section representation  1010  which displays a description about the highlighted diagnostic test. The user would typically run a test by highlighting the test by moving a mouse pointer representation (not shown) over the test and pressing the left button, and then selecting a “Select” button representation  1015  using the mouse pointer representation. The “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000  also typically includes a “Tip” section representation  1020 , which displays tips to the user regarding the “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000 . The “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000  also includes a “Back to Details” button representation  1025 , and a “Close Advanced” button representation  1030 . The “Back to Details” button representation  1025 , when selected, typically returns the user to a respective “Details” screen representation. The “Close Advanced” button representation  1030  typically closes the “Advanced Options” section of the “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 11 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “Computer Verifier” test screen representation  1100  of the connection manager  250 . The “Computer Verifier” test screen representation  1100  is typically reached by selecting the “Computer Verifier” test from the “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000 , and typically includes a list representation  1105  including items on the users computer that can be tested. The user would typically run the tests by selecting a “Test All” button representation  1110  using the mouse pointer representation (not shown). The connection manager  250  would typically create a report regarding the tested items upon the user selecting the “Report” button representation  1115 . The “Computer Verifier” test screen representation  1100  also typically includes a “Tip” section representation  1120 , which displays tips to the user regarding the “Computer Verifier” test screen representation  1100 . The “Computer Verifier” test screen representation  1100  also includes a “Back to Advanced” button representation  1125  that, when selected, typically returns the user to a respective “Advanced Options” screen representation.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 12 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “Connection Test” test screen representation  1200  of the connection manager  250 . The “Connection Test” test screen representation  1200  is typically reached by selecting the “Connection Test” test from the “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000 , and typically includes a list representation  1205  including items in the user&#39;s connection that can be tested. The user would typically run the tests by selecting a “Test All” button representation  1210  using the mouse pointer representation (not shown). The connection manager  250  would typically create a report regarding the tested items upon the user selecting the “Report” button representation  1215 . The “Connection Test” test screen representation  1200  also typically includes a “Tip” section representation  1220 , which displays tips to the user regarding the “Connection Test” test screen representation  1200 . The “Connection Test” test screen representation  1200  also includes a “Back to Advanced” button representation  1125  and a “Close Advanced” button representation  1025 . The “Back to Advanced” button representation  1125 , when selected, typically returns the user to a respective “Advanced Options” screen representation. The “Close Advanced” button representation  1030  typically closes the “Advanced Options” section of the “Advanced Options” screen representation  1000 . In addition to these functions, the “Connection Test” test screen representation  1200  includes a “Current Target Server” field representation  1225 . The “Current Target Server” field representation  1225  includes a “Set Target Server” button representation  1230 , which, when selected, enables the user to set a new target server for the connection manager  250  to use with regard to the tests performed.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 13 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “FastAccess” details screen representation  1300  of the connection manager  250 . In particular the screen representation  1300  typically includes “FastAccess” details status representation  1305 . The status representation  1305  typically includes a list of items  1310 ,  1315 , which the connection manager  250  is configured to track. In particular, the connection manager  250  is typically operable to track “Basic Connectivity” indicated by the status representation  1310 , and a “DNS” status indicated by the “DNS” status representation  1315 .  
      The user typically generates a report on the problem by selecting the “Report” button representation  1320 . The report typically includes a number of subcomponents which will help the user to determine a cause for the problem. A sample report is shown with respect to  FIG. 14 . Typically the report will include details about the results of various attempts to contact machines associated with the specified activity (e.g. “Basic Connectivity”).  
      The connection manager  250  also typically includes a “Repair Center” button representation  1325  and an “Advanced” button representation  1330 . The “Repair Center” button representation  1325 , when selected, requests a repair center screen representation. The repair center screen representation typically helps users determine what sort(s) of adjustments may be helpful in resuming service. The “Advanced” button representation  1330 , when selected, requests an advanced options screen representation. The advanced options screen representation typically enables users to test their systems and connections.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 14 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “FastAccess” report screen representation  1400  of the connection manager  250 . The “FastAccess” report screen representation  1400  typically includes a test section  1405 . The test section is typically a list of items related to the user&#39;s connection upon which diagnostic tests can be run, the result and a more detailed analysis of the result. The “FastAccess” screen representation  1400  further includes a plurality of button representations  1410 - 1425 . The plurality of button representations include, among others: a “Repair Center” button representation  1410 , a “Send Report” button representation  1415 , a “&lt;&lt;Back” button representation  1420 , and a “Close Report” button representation  1425 . Each of these button representations  1410 - 1425  was explained with respect to like button representations in  FIG. 6 , and one skilled in the art should recognize that these button representations  1410 - 1425  perform similar functions respective to the current report.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 15 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of an “Internet” details screen representation  1500  of the connection manager  250 . In particular, the screen representation  1500  typically includes “Internet” details status representation  1505 . The status representation  1505  typically includes a list of items  1510 , which the connection manager  250  is configured to track. In particular, the connection manager  250  is typically operable to track “Internet Connectivity” indicated by the status representation  1510  The user typically generates a report on the problem by selecting the “Report” button representation  1515 . The report typically includes a number of subcomponents which will help the user to determine a cause for the problem. A sample report is shown with respect to  FIG. 16 . Typically the report will include details about the results of various attempts to send information through the internet.  
      The connection manager  250  also typically includes a “Repair Center” button representation  1420  and an “Advanced” button representation  1425 . The “Repair Center” button representation  1420 , when selected, requests a repair center screen representation. The repair center screen representation typically helps users determine what sort(s) of adjustments may be helpful in resuming service. The “Advanced” button representation  1425 , when selected, requests an advanced options screen representation. The advanced options screen representation typically enables users to test their systems and connections.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 16 , shown is a sample screen shot of an embodiment, among others, of a “Internet” report screen representation  1600  of the connection manager  250 . The “Internet” report screen representation  1600  typically includes a test section  1605 . The test section is typically a list of items related to the user&#39;s connection upon which diagnostic tests can be run, the result and a more detailed analysis of the result. The “Internet” screen representation  1600  further includes a plurality of button representations  1610 - 1625 . The plurality of button representations include, among others: a “Repair Center” button representation  1610 , a “Send Report” button representation  1615 , a “&lt;&lt;Back” button representation  1620 , and a “Close Report” button representation  1625 . Each of these button representations  1610 - 1625  was explained with respect to like button representations in  FIG. 6 , and one skilled in the art should recognize that these button representations  1610 - 1625  perform similar functions respective to the current report.  
      One skilled in the art should recognize that there are numerous connection management tools currently available for use on computers. One such tool is the “Connection Manager 2.1” available from BellSouth, of Atlanta, Ga. It should be recognized that the specific format and configuration of the connection management tool is not critical to the present disclosure, and that a variety of connection management tools can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure in various embodiments. Thus, each of these other connection management tools is intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.  
      Process and function descriptions and blocks in flow charts can be understood as representing, in some embodiments, modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. In addition, such functional elements can be implemented as logic embodied in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, among others. In some embodiments involving software implementations, such software comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the software for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.  
      It should also be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.