Abstract: A first personal server within a firewall protected network initiates communications with a connection server that is coupled to a network of remote clients that can remotely access the first personal server. A series of tests using communication protocols of increasing complexity are executed until a communication protocol enabling communication between the first personal server and connection server is determined. If the address of the first personal server changes upon connection, the connection server registers the new address upon each change. If the connection between the first personal server and connection server is unintentionally broken, the first personal server re-establishes contact with the connection server and maintains the connection by transmitting periodic signals to the connection server. The connection server is capable of connecting many remote devices to their associated personals servers.