Method of obtaining a network address

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.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 417,862, filed Apr. 16, 2003, and entitled “METHOD OF PROVIDING A NETWORK ADDRESS”, which is a Division and a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 100,619, filed Jun. 19, 1998, and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING FUNGIBLE INTERCOURSE OVER A NETWORK.”[0002]Appendix A, filed herewith, constitutes a part of the specification of this invention, being incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.[0003]A portion of the disclosure of this appendix document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates in general to digital data networks and, more particularly, to network access and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables seamless and secure access to various ISPs with different services, reduces configuration errors, and enhances email security by anonymizing user identities and encrypting data, thereby preventing unauthorized data interception and spamming.

Problems solved by technology

Most users do not have the expertise to connect their computers and associated equipment to the Internet and / or finances to have a continuous connection to the Internet.

Usually the ISPs that charge the lowest prices to the user are the busiest and users often find that access to a low cost ISP is blocked by a “busy signal”.

Some ISPs use less expensive (i.e. slower rate, poorer quality or lower capacity) telephone lines or equipment to provide low cost and as a result the data transmission rate of communications between the user and the Internet may be substantially less than the capability of the users modem.

When a user is attempting to access material requiring the transmission of large volumes of data, a low data transmission rate equates to a long time spent waiting to obtain that data.

If a single software entity such as a browser is used for both types of Internet connection, several items of information need to be altered with the accompanying chance for error and frustration of the user.

When a computer is subjected to stress such as by a large and sudden variation in supply voltage (i.e. an electrical spike), there may be corruption of data in the software and / or data banks of the computer.

When such corruption concerns the data needed to communicate with the Internet, a considerable amount of time is often required to ascertain the cause of the failure to attain communication and further time is required to correct the problem.

Such modification always invites a chance for erroneous data entry in the process and the accompanying time required to rectify the situation.

Another problem related to network use is related to electronic mail which terminology is popularly shortened to email.

A further problem is third party mail relay.

The massive amount of mail can so overload the system that an invaded system can crash, overload or otherwise be damaged.

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