| abstract |
The present invention provides for multiplexing applications. In particular, an access server (308/310) receives a request from a user (302, 402, 2410)to access an application (312). Based on the received request, the access server (308/310) establishes a communication link between the access server (308/310) and the user (302, 402, 2410). The access request is stored in an input request queue (1804) when an available communication path (1808) to the requested application (312) is available. The communication path (1808) between the input request queue (1804) and the application (312) is established, the stored request is removed and sent to the application (312). Further, the present invention provides a protocol independent control module (1900) for providing applications (312) and services (314) to requesting clients (302, 402, 2410) across multiple protocol formats. In particular, the control module is able to identify required or requested protocols and select application and service providers (312, 314) capable of supporting the identified protocol. |