`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0103878A1
`Moncibais
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Aug. 1, 2002
`
`US 2002O103878A1
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`(54) SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED
`CONFIGURATION OF ACCESS TO THE
`INTERNET
`
`(76) Inventor: Herbert Moncibais, Dallas, TX (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Arthur I. Navarro
`Navarro IP Law Group
`Suite 655
`801 E. Campbell Rd.
`Richardson, TX 75081 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22) Filed:
`
`09/774,151
`Jan. 30, 2001
`
`Publication Classification
`(51) Int. Cl." ......................... G06F 15/16; G06F 15/177
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 709/217; 709/222
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A System 100 for automated configuration of access to a
`wide area network (80) including an application server
`computer (112), a communications link (90) providing a
`Signaling pathway for application server computer (112)
`over a wide area network (80), and a control center (134)
`accessible by the wide area network (80). The control center
`(134) is adapted to automatically detect the presence of
`application server computer (112) on the wide area network
`(80). Control center (134) is also adapted to provide auto
`matic registration, configuration and protection of the appli
`cation server computer (112) So that said one or more users
`are able to achieve access to and use of the wide area
`network (80). Application server computer (112) includes an
`interface to the wide area network (128), control software
`(130) for detecting the type of connection available, and a
`means for Storing user configuration and Security informa
`tion (132).
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`
`
`1st, st serve
`corts
`2. e
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`FIG. 3
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`FIG. 5
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`SERVICE
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`^s M
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`Control Center
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`Link
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`Communications
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`Control Software
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`Interface to WAN
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`user configuration
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`WAN Sharing
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`Control Center
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`location to! 5 -{
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`Aug. 1, 2002
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`SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED CONFIGURATION
`OF ACCESS TO THE INTERNET
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`0001. This invention relates in general to a system for
`Sharing wide area network access. More particularly, the
`invention relates to a computerized System for automated
`configuration of access to a wide area network, Such as the
`Internet, that enables user-friendly Setup and use of the
`network.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 Without limiting the scope of the invention, its
`background is described in connection with the Internet. The
`Internet or World Wide Web (www) has become a widely
`used platform for Sharing information. In essence, the Inter
`net provides a wide area network that connects merchants,
`business people, consumerS and other users to each other
`and permits the interchange of information and the purchase
`of goods and Services from almost anywhere in the World.
`The communications equipment of the Internet uses a com
`mon Signaling protocol known as Transmission Control
`Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) for transmitting and
`receiving information. The communications equipment Sup
`porting the protocol includes routers, Servers, gateways and
`other similar devices that together form the infrastructure of
`the Internet.
`0.003
`Currently, there is high interest in a development of
`techniques for Sharing Internet acceSS. AS a result, Small
`business people are discovering and implementing methods
`of using the Internet among their own employees. Typically,
`the result has led to a company acquiring a large number of
`different types of computers and computer related hardware
`and accessories. These include Servers, firewalls, fax
`machines, e-mail Servers, Web Servers, and other types of
`hardware and Software to fulfill the needs of the Small
`busineSS market in network connectivity.
`0004 For example, currently, Small business owners pur
`chase a server, which can be a large complicated expensive
`computer, to act as a central point for their Internet Services.
`Next, they have to purchase a separate firewall to protect the
`Server from hostile invaders that are lurking outside on the
`Internet. Further, they have to purchase a virus protection
`program. Finally, they have to provide an information tech
`nology Specialist on their Staff to keep the Server, the
`firewall, Virus protection, and other parts functioning. In
`addition to the purchase of equipment and Software, it is also
`necessary to Subscribe to a provider Service which will
`provide the desired level of Internet connectivity. Alterna
`tively, the busineSS may commit only a fraction of its
`computers to the Internet and purchase appropriate Software
`for each computer accessible to the Internet. The Internet
`connectivity may include e-mail, web hosting, and other
`types of information Storage and delivery capabilities.
`0005 From the prospective of the small business owner,
`the use of Such equipment for Internet connectivity may be
`disfavored or unlikely for Several reasons. First, the pur
`chase of a Server may unduly Strain the financial resources
`of a Small company due to the large cost for an asset that will
`typically depreciate quickly over time. The Second disad
`Vantage is the requirement for a large number of different
`Servers and Software Solutions to work together. It is often
`
`difficult for the small business owner to evaluate what they
`need, much less whether or not the products they have
`purchased are compatible and actually producing the desired
`results. Another disadvantage of the prior art is the require
`ment of a dedicated information technology Specialist to
`keep the equipment running.
`0006 Accordingly, a need exists for a way of sharing
`Internet access between all designated employees of a
`company without putting an undue burden on the financial
`resources of a company or requiring additional dedicated
`perSonnel to run the equipment. A System that provides
`automated configuration of access to the Internet and Sharing
`among users would provide numerous advantages over the
`prior art.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0007. The present invention provides a system for auto
`mated configuration of access to a wide area network, Such
`as the Internet. The System comprises an application Server
`computer, a communications link and a control center. The
`application Server computer has an interface to the Wide
`Area Network (WAN) and control software capable of
`detecting the type of connection available for use by the
`server and for configuring the server for use of the WAN by
`one or more users. Finally, the application Server computer
`has a means for Storing the user configuration and Security
`information required to describe user access for the WAN.
`The control center is a remote center accessible over the
`WAN by the application server computer and which is
`adapted to automatically detect the presence of the applica
`tion server computer on the WAN. The control center is also
`adapted to provide automatic registration, configuration and
`protection of the application Server computer So that one or
`more users are able to achieve Secure access to and use of the
`WAN.
`0008. The communications link may be a T-1 phone line,
`a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), an Integrated Services
`Digital Network (ISDN), Ethernet, or other types of network
`communications mediums known to those skilled in the art.
`0009. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the
`control Software further includes a firewall, which is used to
`protect users from unauthorized acceSS and computer viruses
`that may try to reach into the user's computer from outside
`on the WAN.
`0010 Furthermore, the application server computer can
`include means for facsimile (fax) communications which
`allow electronic images to be transmitted from one location
`to another location.
`0011. According to another embodiment, disclosed is an
`application Server computer for providing automated acceSS
`to a WAN such as the Internet. The application server
`computer is capable of accessing a WAN by one or more
`users through a single interface to the WAN. The application
`Server computer has control Software which detects the type
`of connection available to the WAN and configures the
`application server computer for use on the WAN. The
`application Server computer also includes a means for Stor
`ing user configuration, and Security information which
`describes each user's level of acceSS and capabilities. The
`application Server computer is also capable of accessing a
`control center over the WAN So that the application server
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`computer may be registered, configured and protected from
`unauthorized use. In addition, the application Server com
`puter may be monitored and adapted for receiving Software
`updates from the control center via the WAN.
`0012. In another embodiment, the application server
`computer includes a firewall which can protect users from
`unauthorized third party access and a virus protection pro
`gram. The firewall further comprises a Network Address
`Translator (NAT) which allows end user computers to
`appear as one computer to other computers on the WAN. A
`means for utilizing one e-mail domain on the application
`Server computer to allow users to access e-mail acroSS the
`WAN is also provided. A spam blocking system is included
`in the e-mail capabilities. Spam is unsolicited e-mail Similar
`to junk mail in the postal mail System. The application Server
`computer also includes a means for Several end user com
`puters to be simultaneously connected to a WAN through a
`singe Internet Service Provider (ISP) account.
`0013 Disclosed in yet another embodiment is an appli
`cation server computer having a Virtual Private Network
`(VPN) which allows one or more computers to communicate
`via the WAN without utilizing public phone lines. The
`application Server computer further comprises a means for
`caching World Wide Web pages so that previously viewed
`pages may be called up by an end user in a much faster
`manner. The caching means will Store a determined quantity
`of cached data for a determined length of time, or a
`combination based on time and quantity.
`0.014
`Further disclosed is a software implemented pro
`gram product for use on an application Server computer that
`facilitates the Sharing of an Internet connection amongst
`Several users. The program product is adapted to cause the
`application Server computer to achieve automated configu
`ration of access to a WAN by one or more users. The
`program product includes an interface to the WAN, control
`Software for detecting the type of connection available for
`use by the application Server computer and for configuring
`use of the WAN by one or more users. The program product
`also includes a means for Storing user configuration and
`Security information. The user configuration and Security
`information allows the application Server computer to know
`who should be able to access the application Server com
`puter, how they should be able to access the application
`Server computer and how much access they should have to
`the application Server computer. In another embodiment, the
`program product further includes a firewall and a virus
`protection program. The firewall and Virus protection pro
`gram are used to protect end users from outside hackers,
`unauthorized users and viruses.
`0.015. In another embodiment, the program product may
`include facsimile communications Software. The facsimile
`communications Software will allow the application Server
`computer to communicate with facsimile machines to trans
`mit and receive electronic imageS which can be transferred
`to paper. In another embodiment, the program product
`includes virtual private network Software which allows
`Several computers on different networks to communicate
`across the WAN without using public phone lines. In yet
`another embodiment, the program product includes a unique
`identification number which is used to provide an identity to
`the control center So the program product may not be
`illegally copied or used by improperly authorized individu
`als.
`
`0016. In another embodiment, the program product
`includes a means for logging IP addresses of computers
`communicating with the program product over the WAN.
`This allows the program product to keep a record of every
`one it communicates with So if a problem is created, it is
`possible to track down the Source. The program product
`further includes a logic means for accepting a Global
`Positioning Satellite location signal (GPS) and logic means
`for communicating the GPS location signal to the control
`Center.
`0017. An advantage of the present invention is that it
`frees the Small busineSS Owner from having to invest large
`amounts of money into a complex Server to achieve access
`to a WAN Such as the Internet.
`0018. Another advantage of the present invention is that
`it frees the Small business owner from having to have a
`dedicated Staff member who understands information tech
`nology and knows how to configure access to and use of the
`Internet.
`0019. Still another advantage of the present invention is
`that it allows the Small business owner to pick and choose
`the exact combination of access tools that he needs to
`conduct his business.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0020 For a more complete understanding of the inven
`tion, including its advantages and Specific embodiments,
`reference is made to the following detailed description along
`with the appended drawings in which:
`0021
`FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a computer
`System in which the control Software, Software-implemented
`program product and the application Server computer of the
`present invention may be implemented, according to one
`embodiment;
`0022 FIG. 2 is the representative hardware environment
`of the computer system of FIG. 1;
`0023 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the client server
`architecture that can be employed in a Wide Area Network,
`Such as the Internet, in order to implement the System of the
`present invention, according to one embodiment;
`0024 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the client server
`architecture that facilitates acceSS by a user to a web based
`application, according to the invention;
`0025 FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer network
`in which the present invention can be implemented, accord
`ing to one embodiment;
`0026 FIG. 6 depicts the system for automated configu
`ration of access to the Internet, according to one embodi
`ment of the invention;
`0027 FIG. 7 illustrates other aspects of the system of
`FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the present inven
`tion;
`0028 FIG. 8 illustrates shared e-mail, according to one
`embodiment of the present invention;
`0029 FIG. 9 shows the use of a GPS location signal in
`connection with an application Server computer, according
`to one embodiment of the present invention;
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`0030 FIG. 10 depicts the application server computer,
`according to one embodiment of the present invention;
`0.031
`FIG. 11 illustrates a program product, according to
`one embodiment of the present invention;
`0.032
`FIG. 12 depicts a loaded program product, accord
`ing to one embodiment of the present invention; and
`0033 FIG. 13 illustrates the functional details and con
`tents of an application computer Server, according to one
`embodiment of the invention, Suitable for achieving auto
`mated configuration of access to the Internet.
`0034) References in the detailed description correspond
`to like references in the figures, unless otherwise indicated.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`0.035 While the making and using of various embodi
`ments of the present invention are discussed in detail below,
`it should be appreciated that the present invention provides
`many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied
`in a wide variety of Specific contexts. These specific embodi
`ments discussed herein are merely illustrative of Specific
`ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the
`Scope of the invention.
`0.036 With reference now to the figures, and in particular
`to FIG. 1, therein is shown a computer system 20 in which
`the application Server computer of the present invention can
`be developed, configured, and utilized, according to one
`embodiment. Specifically, it is assumed that one skilled in
`the art, upon reference to this disclosure, would be able to
`adapt a computer System, Such as a computer System 20, to
`perform the functions of an application Server computer, as
`herein described. The computer system 20 is shown to
`include a System unit 22, a Video terminal 24, a keyboard 26
`and a mouse 28. Typically, the System 22 unit houses all of
`the various functional and operation components, accesso
`ries, and devices including Stored programs or Software
`which allow the computer system 20 to function. Those
`skilled in the art will appreciate that the method and System
`of the present invention apply equally to other computer
`Systems, regardless of whether the computer System is a
`complicated multiuser platform or a Single user WorkStation.
`In FIGS. 1 and 2, like parts are identified by like numbers.
`0037 FIG. 2 illustrates the representative hardware
`which a computer System 20 may utilize, according to the
`invention. The computer system 20 includes a Central
`Processing Unit (“CPU”) 31, such as a conventional micro
`processor, and a number of other units interconnected via a
`System buS 32. Such components and units of a computer
`system 20 can be implemented in a box or other platform
`such as a system unit 22 of FIG. 1. The computer system 20
`further includes Random Access Memory (“RAM”) 34,
`Read Only Memory (“ROM") 36, display adaptor 37 for
`connecting System bus 32 to Video display terminal 24, and
`I/O adapter 39 for connecting peripheral devices (e.g., disc
`and tape drives 33) to system bus 32.
`0.038 A video display terminal 24 is the visual output of
`the computer System 20 and can be used, for example, to
`allow a user of the computer system 20 to view the contents
`of a web site over the Internet. The arrangement of the
`Internet and other Similar wide area network topologies will
`
`be discussed below. A video display terminal 24 can be a
`CRT-based video display, well known in the art of computer
`hardware. However, with a portable or notebook-based
`computer, Video display terminal 24 can be replaced with an
`LCD-based or a gas plasma-based panel display as well as
`other Similar display configurations that are available in the
`industry. The computer system 20 further includes a user
`interface adaptor 40 for connecting the keyboard 26, mouse
`28, speaker 46, microphone 48, and/or other customer
`related interface devices, Such as a test Screen device (not
`shown) to the system bus 32. Communications adaptor 49
`connects computer System to a computer network Such as,
`for example, the Internet. Although the computer System 20
`is shown to contain only a single CPU and a single System
`bus, it should be understood that the present invention
`applies equally to computer Systems that have multiple
`CPU's and to computer systems that have multiple busses
`wherein each perform different functions in different ways.
`0039 Computer system 20 also includes a logic that
`resides within machine readable media to direct the opera
`tion of computer System 20. Any Suitable machine readable
`medium may retain the logic, such as RAM 34, ROM 36, a
`magnetic diskette, magnetic tape, or optical disk (the last
`three being located in disc and tape drives 33). Any Suitable
`operating System and asSociated interface, Such as, for
`example, Microsoft Windows, may direct and cause the
`operation of CPU 31. Other technologies can also be utilized
`in conjunction with the CPU 31, such as a touch screen
`technology or human Voice control. In addition, those skilled
`in the art will appreciate that the hardware detected in FIG.
`2 may vary for Specific applications. For example, other
`peripheral devices, Such as an optical disc media, audio
`adaptors, or chip programming devices Such as PAL or
`EPROM programming devices well known in the art of
`computer hardware and the like may be utilized in addition
`to or in place of the hardware already depicted.
`0040 Main memory 50 is connected to system bus 32
`and includes a control program 51. Control program 51
`resides within the main memory 50, and contains instruc
`tions that when executing on CPU 31, carries out the
`operations of the computer System 20. In this regard, a
`computer program or Software-implemented program prod
`uct can be created to incorporate the required logic, Software
`instructions and program Sequences necessary, in conjunc
`tion with CPU 31, to carry out the operations and function
`of the processes described in FIGS. 11 and 12.
`0041. It is important to note that, while the present
`invention has been (and will continue to be) described in the
`context of a fully functional computer System, those skilled
`in the art will appreciate that the present invention is capable
`of being distributed as a program product or Software
`application in a variety of forms, and that the present
`invention applies equally, regardless of a particular type of
`Signal bearing medium utilized to carry out the System and
`program product of the present invention. Examples of Such
`Signal bearing medium include: recordable type media, Such
`as floppy discs, hard drives and CD ROMS, and tradition
`type media, Such as digital and analog communication links,
`fiber optic wiring, and communications components utilized
`in wide area network Such as the Internet.
`0042. In FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, like parts are indicated by like
`numbers. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of
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`a client Server architecture that can be used by a client or
`user (even those not even utilizing a computer processing
`platform, Such as computer System 20), to access a server 88
`which would host an application of one or more Services on
`the Internet. It should be understood that the word “Inter
`net', as used herein, includes many types of wide area
`network configurations which can be utilized to provide
`access by numerous users to the Services of numerous other
`USCS.
`0043. In FIG.3, a client selection 91 is transmitted by the
`client application program 92 to a server 88 hosting the
`application. Server 88 can be a remote computer System
`accessible over the Internet or other Similar wide area
`network. The client application program 92 may be utilized
`in association with a computer, Such as computer System 20
`of FIG. 1, and the implementation of computer system 20,
`as illustrated in FIG. 2. Server 88 sends a response 93 to
`answer the selection 91 from the client.
`0044 FIG. 4 illustrates the client server architecture in a
`WAN in more detail, in accordance with one embodiment
`Suitable for implementing the invention. Although the client
`and Server are processes that are operative within two
`computer Systems, these processes can be implemented
`using a programing language to create a Set of instructions
`and Software related algorithms which are interpreted and
`executed in a computer System, Such as computer System 20,
`as is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. AS
`shown, the client 92 and server 88 communicate over a
`communications link 90, in this case, by utilizing the func
`tionality provided by the Transmission Control Protocol/
`Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”), which is a communications
`protocol well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A
`browser 72 is an application active within the client 92
`which establishes connections with the server 88. Informa
`tion can be presented to the user at the client 92 via the
`browser 72. Any number of commercially or publicly avail
`able browsers can be utilized in various implementations in
`accordance with the invention. For example, the mosaic
`browser available by the National Center for Supercomput
`ing Applications (NCSA) in Urban-Champagne, Ill., can be
`utilized in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention. Other browsers, such as Netscape TM and
`Microsoft ExplorerTM also provide the ability to communi
`cate with the server 88 using TCP/IP. “Netscape” is a
`trademark of Netscape, Incorporated while Microsoft
`Explorer is a trademark of MicroSoft, Incorporated.
`0.045 Server 88 executes corresponding server software
`and related instructions to present information to the client
`92 over the WAN using TCP/IP. Responses from the server
`88 can correspond to web pages represented and arranged
`using HyperText Markup Language (HTML) 94 or other
`data generated by the server 88. The server 88 provides the
`HTML 94 application and with certain browsers, such as the
`Mosaic brand browser described above, a Common Gate
`way Interface (CGI) 96 is also provided, which allows the
`client application program 92 to direct server 88 to com
`mence execution of a specified Software program product
`contained within the server 88. This may include the opera
`tion of a Search engine that Scans information Stored in the
`server 88 for presentation to a user controlling the client
`application 92 via his or her computer system 20. A specific
`example would involve a merchant placing his goods and
`Services on a Server 88 which are arranged in one or more
`
`web pages (collectively the merchant web site) using an
`HTML 94 application so that a customer utilizing the client
`application program 92 can view, price and place orders for
`Such goods and Services.
`0046 By utilizing the client server architecture illustrated
`in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the TCP/IP, the server 88 may notify
`a user of the results of execution upon completion. CPI 99
`is one form of a gateway, which provides a mechanism to
`connect dissimilar networks (i.e., networks utilizing differ
`ent communications protocol) So that electronic information
`can be passed from one network to another. This facilitates
`acceSS by numerous client topologies to information Stored
`on numerous and different computing platforms as is well
`known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
`0047. In order to facilitate the process of viewing the
`information on the Server 88 and providing data and entering
`information, the client application 92 may direct the browser
`72 to use a Secure link and/or Software encryption and/or
`other forms of Security in order to keep the users informa
`tion confidential. This functionality allows users to access
`the server 88 and any web pages or other information
`contained therein with confidence and knowledge that their
`confidential information will be kept confidential.
`0048 Having described the general architecture of a wide
`area network (WAN), such as the Internet, which can be
`accessed by numerous individuals to share information and
`communicate with each other, reference is made to FIG. 5
`which illustrates a WAN 80 providing access to a plurality
`of clients 92 and a plurality of applications contained in
`multiple server platforms 88. Specifically, WAN 80 is rep
`resentative of a network topology, Such as the Internet. The
`Internet includes a large network of servers 88 that are
`accessible by clients 92, typically customers utilizing com
`puter Systems. Such as the computer System 20, to gain acceSS
`to the Internet, typically through an Internet Service provider
`84 or an online service provider 86. Each of the clients 92
`may run a browser 72 to access servers 88 via the service
`providers 84 and 86. Each service provider 88 operates a
`so-called “web site' that supports files in the form of
`documents and pages and, as Such, is referred to as hosting
`the web site. In addition, multiple web sites can also be
`executed from one server. A network path to service 88 is
`identified by a Universal Resource Locator (URL) having a
`known Syntax for defining a network collection. Computer
`network 82 must be considered a web-based computer
`network.
`0049. As described above, a particular problem faced by
`users of a WAN 80, especially small businesses with mul
`tiple users desiring access to the Internet, is providing and
`configuring access to the network. This is especially difficult
`in the Small business environment wherein multiple users
`need access but the costs associated with providing access,
`configuring users and updating changes and modifications to
`the System by a dedicated network Support Specialist would
`be prohibitive. Accordingly, the present invention provides
`an automated way of configuring access to the Internet or
`other similar WAN.
`0050 Having described the hardware, software and net
`working environment in which the present invention can be
`implemented and to the extent that Such descriptions enable
`one of ordinary skill in the art, a discussion of the System of
`
`LENNOX EXHIBIT 1030
`Lennox Industries Inc. v. Rosen Technologies LLC, IPR2023-00715, Page 17
`
`
`
`US 2002/0103878 A1
`
`Aug. 1, 2002
`
`of the present invention providing automated configuration
`of access to the Internet is shown and denoted generally as
`100 in FIG. 6.
`0051) System 100 includes a WAN 80 and an internal
`network 114. End user computers 116 are located within
`internal network 114 and cannot be directly accessed by
`computers on the WAN 80. Application server computer 112
`is located in the union between internal network 114 and
`WAN 80. Essentially, the application server computer 112
`provides the functions of a “web' server, as is known in the
`art, plus other functions that permit automated configuration
`of access to WAN 80. Specific details of an application
`server computer 112 Suitable for this purpose will be dis
`cussed below in reference to FIG. 13. That is, application
`server computer 112 is a