OPTIMIZING NETWORK CONNECTIONS IN A DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE NETWORK DEVICES

摘要

A data processing system for communicating over a network includes at least two network connection devices. The system selects one of the connection devices in response to a request for a network communication. The system may deactivate at least one of the connection devices not selected and initiate the requested network communication using the selected connection device. The system may select the optimal connection device for the particular communication based upon a set of parameters associated with each connection device. These parameters may include connection device's bandwidth, cost, and security. One or more of the parameter values for each connection devices may be negotiated with a service provider. The system may deactivate at least one of the connection devices by turning off all of the connection devices not selected for the network communication. The system may further turn off the selected connection device after the communication is terminated.