Abstract: A system is disclosed that allows an entity outside of a private network to initiate communication with another entity inside the private network. A first entity inside the private network maintains a persistent connection with a second entity outside the private network, with a port identification associated with the first entity's persistent connection. A third entity outside the private network obtains the port identification and initiates communication with the first entity by sending a message to the first entity using the port identification. The first and third entities then exchange communications outside the persistent connection. In an alternate implementation, the third entity uses the port identification to send the first entity a request for establishing a connection. The request is forwarded to the first entity through the persistent connection. The first entity responds by establishing a connection with the third entity outside the persistent connection.

Abstract: A private virtual dynamic network is provided for computing devices coupled to public networks or private networks. This enables computing devices anywhere in the world to join into private enterprise intranets and communicate with each other. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a separate private virtual address realm, seen to each user as a private network, while seamlessly crossing public and private network boundaries. One implementation of the present invention uses an agent to enable an entity to participate in the network without requiring the member to add new hardware or software.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that allows an entity outside of a private network to initiate communication with an entity inside the private network. The entity inside of the private network maintains a persistent connection with an agent. In one embodiment, communications that are intended for the entity inside the private network are sent to the agent. The agent then forwards the communications to the entity inside the private via the persistent connection.

Abstract: A private virtual dynamic network is provided for computing devices coupled to public networks or private networks. This enables computing devices anywhere in the world to join into private enterprise intranets and communicate with each other. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a separate private virtual address realm, seen to each user as a private network, while seamlessly crossing public and private network boundaries. One implementation of the present invention uses an agent to enable an entity to participate in the network without requiring the member to add new hardware or software.

Abstract: A private virtual dynamic network is provided for computing devices coupled to public networks or private networks. This enables computing devices anywhere in the world to join into private enterprise intranets and communicate with each other. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a separate private virtual address realm, seen to each user as a private network, while seamlessly crossing public and private network boundaries. One implementation of the present invention uses an agent to enable an entity to participate in the network without requiring the member to add new hardware or software.

Abstract: A private virtual dynamic network is provided for computing devices coupled to public networks or private networks. This enables computing devices anywhere in the world to join into private enterprise intranets and communicate with each other. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a separate private virtual address realm, seen to each user as a private network, while seamlessly crossing public and private network boundaries. One implementation of the present invention uses an agent to enable an entity to participate in the network without requiring the member to add new hardware or software.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that allows an entity outside of a private network to initiate communication with an entity inside the private network. The entity inside of the private network maintains a persistent connection with an agent. In one embodiment, communications that are intended for the entity inside the private network are sent to the agent. The agent then forwards the communications to the entity inside the private via the persistent connection.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that allows an entity outside of a private network to initiate communication with another entity inside the private network. A first entity inside the private network maintains a persistent connection with a second entity outside the private network, with a port identification associated with the first entity's persistent connection. A third entity outside the private network obtains the port identification and initiates communication with the first entity by sending a message to the first entity using the port identification. The first and third entities then exchange communications outside the persistent connection. In an alternate implementation, the third entity uses the port identification to send the first entity a request for establishing a connection. The request is forwarded to the first entity through the persistent connection. The first entity responds by establishing a connection with the third entity outside the persistent connection.