Abstract: A new type of communication protocol provides semi-reliable transport of data over a data channel, such as over the Internet. The new type of protocol limits the number of retransmissions of unsuccessfully delivered data and may eventually “give up” on successfully delivering particular data and go on sending subsequent data to the destination. When a reliable communication protocol, such as TCP/IP is tunneled between two computers over a virtual connection which uses the new type of semi-reliable protocol, overall error control of data passing between the two computers involves elements of error control implemented by both the semi-reliable protocol and the reliable protocol. This overall error control can provide higher throughput than provided by using either a completely reliable protocol (e.g., TCP) for the virtual connection, or a completely unreliable protocol (e.g., UDP) for the virtual connection.

Abstract: A user of a remote typically has a choice of multiple access methods and telephone numbers using which the user can connect his remote computer to a local computer or a local area network. The remote user often user faces several problems. These problems include first knowing what numbers and access methods the user has a choice of, and knowing the cost of using those numbers and access methods. This first problem is exasperated by a large number of available access points, changes of access telephone numbers, changes in telephone and network access rates, and changes in quality of service provided by various service providers. Distributing, storing, and searching a comprehensive directory of access numbers and associated costs would, in general, be prohibitive on remote computers with limited storage and computation capacity, such as portable computers typically often used by mobile workers.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a method of channeling a protocol data unit. The method includes receiving a protocol data unit having a label, accessing data identifying a channel associated with the label, and transmitting the protocol data unit via the identified channel.

Abstract: A user of a remote typically has a choice of multiple access methods and telephone numbers using which the user can connect his remote computer to a local computer or a local area network. The remote user often user faces several problems. These problems include first knowing what numbers and access methods the user has a choice of, and knowing the cost of using those numbers and access methods. This first problem is exasperated by a large number of available access points, changes of access telephone numbers, changes in telephone and network access rates, and changes in quality of service provided by various service providers. Distributing, storing, and searching a comprehensive directory of access numbers and associated costs would, in general, be prohibitive on remote computers with limited storage and computation capacity, such as portable computers typically often used by mobile workers.