Internet protocol assists using multi-path channel protocol

Claim 1

In a computing network environment having a gateway device, said gateway device being electronically connected from one end to at least one initiating host and at the other end to at least one local area network through which a plurality of hosts are connected to said gateway device, said computer environment using a Multi-path channel communication protocol, a method of allowing any initiating host to establish communications with any receiving host, said method comprising the steps of: performing an initialization step during which all possible functions provided by any type of communication platform is specified and stored in a special function table accessible by said gateway device; performing a querying step during which said functions supported by said associated communication platform is determined; identifying in said special function table which of said functions are provided and supported by said associated communication platform; dynamically monitoring alterations, additions and deletions from said functions supported by said associated communication platform and making necessary modifications in said special function table so that said table is kept updated and all available functions are provided at all times; allowing any host connected to said gateway device to obtain a list of all available functions supported by said communication platform at any one time and; allowing any host to select any one of said functions available and supported by said communication platform at any one time by issuing a command after obtaining list of all available functions.