Abstract: A LAN modem permits unambiguous routing for multiple workstations located on a LAN to each gain access through the LAN modem to any one of a number of different remote servers located on a number of different remote networks using a combination of public port number and public address of the workstation. There are instances where sessions are changed between the same workstation/server. This changing of sessions changes the public port numbers associated with each session, which destroys the above unambiguous routing, since the combination of a public destination IP address and a private destination port number is no longer the same unique value contained in an address translation table of the LAN modem. A four step hierarchical procedure is provided in which the LAN modem determines which workstation the packet is to be routed based upon value of fields stored in the network address translation (NAT) table or value of fields stored in a static table.

Abstract: A LAN modem permits unambiguous routing for multiple workstations located on a LAN to each gain access through the LAN modem to any one of a number of different remote servers located on a number of different remote networks using a combination of public port number and public address of the workstation. There are instances where sessions are changed between the same workstation/server. This changing of sessions changes the public port numbers associated with each session, which destroys the above unambiguous routing, since the combination of a public destination IP address and a private destination port number is no longer the same unique value contained in an address translation table of the LAN modem. A four step hierarchical procedure is provided in which the LAN modem determines which workstation the packet is to be routed based upon value of fields stored in the network address translation (NAT) table or value of fields stored in a static table.