Method of cost reduction/billing

• US 20030195967A1
• Filed: 04/16/2003
• Published: 10/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MyMail, Ltd. (MyMail Management, LLC)
• Original Assignee: MyMail, Ltd. (MyMail Management, LLC)
• Inventors: Selgas, Thomas Drennan, Massing, Michael Brian, Gmuender, John Everett
• Granted Patent: US 8,516,132 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/228
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/50 Address allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/04 for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0464 using hop-by-hop encryption, i.e. wherein an intermediate entity decrypts the information and re-encrypts it before forwarding it
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/30 for supporting lawful interception, monitoring or retaining of communications or communication related information circuit switched telephony call monitoring H04M3/2281
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

The present invention comprises a method of and apparatus for simplifying the process of access to a network for a roaming computer user, divides the responsibility of servicing a given user wanting to access the network between multiple parties and minimizes the possibility of improper dissemination of email header data as well as improper use of network resources (including server systems) by non-clients.

Claims

1. A method of connecting a user to a network comprising the steps of:

dialing a first access number to connect to the network;

determining whether the first access number is busy;

upon a determination that the first access number is not busy, connecting the user to the network; and

upon a determination that the first access number is busy, connecting to the network via one or more numbers from a list of area locations available.

2. A method of connecting a user to a network comprising the steps of:

determining whether a predefined telephone number is to be used;

upon a determination that a predefined telephone number is to be used, connecting the user to the network via the predefined telephone number;

upon a determination that a predefined telephone number is not to be used, performing the substeps of;

determining a telephone access number of an ISP and a location that provides the lowest cost service to the user; and

connecting the user to the network via the telephone access number.