Communication system and communication method

Abstract

A communication system includes a first network on which a file server and an access point are connected via a first communication link and a second network on which the access point and a terminal are connected via a second communication link. The terminal establishes a connection with the access point to access the file server. The file server stores a file to be downloaded. The terminal accesses the file server through the access point to request the file. The terminal then selects a download process from one of a foreground process, background process and postponement process, and executes the download process to download the file from the file server.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 359,690, filed on Feb. 7, 2003, and in turn claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-31872, filed Feb. 8, 2002, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a download control in a communication system, more particularly, the present invention relates to a communication system and method of controlling a process for downloading a security measure file. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Upon development of network technologies in recent years, many PCs (personal computers) are connected to networks. Accordingly, damages due to computer viruses have increased, and security measures have gained importance. [0006] As security measures for PCs, security software such as an anti-virus program is normally installed i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method and system for updating security software and data files in terminals without affecting user convenience. The method involves accessing a file server through an access point and selecting between a foreground, background, or postponement process for downloading the file to the terminal. This allows for optimal use of communication bandwidth and ensures efficient data transfer."

Problems solved by technology

In this case, the time required for an update process for the program and data file is short.

When a wireless communication is conducted using a wireless LAN, portable phone, or when a wired communication is conducted based on dial up access, a communication band broad enough for the update process cannot always be assured.

Hence the update process is executed while a sufficient communication band cannot be assured.

It is time-consuming, and the user gets tired of waiting for the result of the update process.

However, since the security server bears a heavy load in this method, if the number of terminals increases, the processing performance of the security server itself cannot catch up, and the available communication bandwidth is narrowed down.

Also, when the security server breaks down due to overloads imposed by, e.g., so-called DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, communications may be interrupted.

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