Abstract: A system for extending the operation of a local communications port of a client computer includes a central server, a client communication module, and a remote communication device, each connected to a communication network. A method of operating a central server in a communications network begins with establishing a first communication link between the central server and a remote communication device in response to a request from the remote communication device. A second communication link is established between the central server and a client communication module in response to a request from the client communication module. Application data is received from the client communication module via the second communication link and forwarded, via the first communication link, to the remote communication device. Remote equipment data is received from the remote communication device via the first communication link and forwarded, via the second communication link, to the client communication module.