Reduced time remote access method

• US 5,307,402 A
• Filed: 04/16/1992
• Issued: 04/26/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
• Inventors: Cooper, Christophe K.
• Primary Examiner(s): STUCKER, JEFFREY J
• Application Number:
  US07/860,497
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: 379/216, 379/91, 379/93, 379/95-98, 379/106, 379/107, 379/144, 375/8, 375/9, 375/121, 375/13, 902/22, 902/25, 235/380, 235/382
• US Class Current: 379/93.32
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/06 Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors

Abstract

Several techniques for reducing the amount of time between initiation of a terminal request through a dial-up telephone line and the actual initiation of transactions between the terminal and a host computer. By using a ring down or hotline circuit configuration dialing and call setup time can be saved. By using cut through techniques to gain direct access to the IXC switch, time can also be saved over conventional techniques. With the ring down use or cut through procedures no login procedure is necessary to ensure secure access to the host computer. The ring generation period is shortened to just an interval sufficient to allow the host modem to recognize the ring, with the ring indication period also begin shortened. The modems can be set to fixed baud rates, but in a more preferred embodiment the terminal modem transmits the originate carrier prior to the host modem picking up the line. The host modem then senses the originate carrier quickly and provides the proper answer carrier. If an originate carrier of an improper baud rate is provided, speed negotiation commences immediately. If no originate carrier is provided within a given time, a fall back to conventional techniques is used. The silent interval prior to operation of the host modem is removed. After the carriers are both provided, normal connection to the host computer is made and the transaction completed.

Claims

1. A method of transmitting confidential data between a particular remote modem of a plurality of remote modems and a host computer having a host modem capable of being connected to any of the plurality of remote modems, comprising the steps of:

the particular remote modem seizing a telephone line;

determining the seizure of the telephone lien by the particular remote modem and initiating a secure telephone connection sequence to the host modem, said sequence being completed only if the remote modem has been previously authorized to be connected to the host modem, said sequence being concluded by providing a ring signal to the host modem;

the host modem seizing the telephone line and providing an answer tone upon receipt of the ring signal;

the particular remote and host modems completing a baud rate determination after the answer tone is provided;

providing indication from the host modem to the host computer that communication has been established and establishing a link between the host modem and the host computer;

transmitting a transaction commence signal to the particular remote modem, said transaction commence signal being transmitted without a login procedure being performed; and

transmitting confidential data between the particular remote modem and the host modem.

2. A method of claim 1, wherein the particular remote and host modems are selected to operate at fixed, common baud rates without baud rate determination handshaking.

3. A method of connecting a remote modem to a host computer having a host modem, comprising the steps of:

the remote modem seizing a telephone line;

determining the seizure of the telephone line by the remote modem and initiating a telephone connection sequence to the host modem, said sequence being completed by providing a ring signal to the host modem;

the remote modem providing an originate carrier prior to the completion of providing the ring signal to initiate a modem handshake;

the host modem sensing the ring signal and seizing the telephone line in response thereto and monitoring for the originate carrier;

the host modem providing an answer carrier after determining the presence of the originate carrier to complete the modem handshake;

providing indication from the host modem to the host computer that communication has been established and establishing a link between the host modem and the host computer; and

transmitting a transaction commence signal to the remote modem after the link is established.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the host modem provides the answer carrier without a silent interval after seizing the telephone line.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the transaction commence signal is transmitted without a login procedure being performed.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein

if the host modem fails to determine the presence of the originate carrier within a predetermined time, the host modem provides an answer tone and the remote and host modems complete a carrier handshake, prior to providing the communication established indication.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the ring signal is provided to the host modem only for a period sufficient to allow detection by the host modem.