Unified interface for managing dsl services

Abstract

A method for providing access to internet services includes displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising a first pane configurable to display internet connection identifiers. The method also includes connecting simultaneously to the internet through a non-secure internet service provider and through a secure virtual private network over a single network access link, based on input to the first pane entered by at least one user of the graphical user interface.

1 . A method for providing access to internet services, comprising: 
 displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising a first pane configurable to display internet connection identifiers; and    connecting simultaneously to the internet through a non-secure internet service provider and through a secure virtual private network over a single network access link, based on input to the first pane entered by at least one user of the graphical user interface.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface further comprises a second pane configurable to display internet service identifiers.    
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface further comprises a second pane configurable to display bandwidth and connection characteristic information.    
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface further comprises a second pane configurable to display network status and network provider messages.    
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 providing the at least one user with access to at least one of a plurality of internet services, based on input to the second pane of the graphical user interface.    
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface is accessed from a device comprising one of: a personal computer, a home gateway, a set top box, a mobile computing device, a computer tablet device, a smart remote device and a wireless device.    
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , 
 wherein internet connection identifiers describe internet connections available to the device.    
   
   
       8 . A method for providing access to internet services, comprising: 
 displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising a first pane configurable to display internet connection identifiers, a second pane configurable to display internet service identifiers, a third pane for display of bandwidth and connection characteristic information and a fourth pane for display of network status and network provider messages; and    connecting to at least one of a secure network, a non-secure network and an internet service through an intermediary, based on input to at least one of the first pane and the second pane of the graphical user interface.    
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface is customizable by a user.    
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface is customizable in accordance with needs of the user.    
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 9 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface is customizable in accordance with options offered by a network service provider.    
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 adding, deleting and modifying internet connection identifiers.    
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 8 , 
 wherein internet service identifiers describe internet services for data backup, application delivery, virus protection, security and vendor-specific database access.    
   
   
       14 . A tangible computer readable medium that stores a computer program for providing access to internet services, comprising: 
 a displaying code executable to display a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising a first pane configurable to display internet connection identifiers; and    a connection code executable to connect simultaneously to the internet through a non-secure internet service provider and through a secure virtual private network over a single network access link, based on input to the first pane entered by at least one user.    
   
   
       15 . The tangible computer readable medium according to  claim 14 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface further comprises a second pane configurable to display internet service identifiers, a third pane configurable to display bandwidth and connection characteristic information and a fourth pane configurable to display network status and network provider messages.    
   
   
       16 . The tangible computer readable medium according to  claim 14 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface further comprises a troubleshooting display.    
   
   
       17 . The tangible computer readable medium according to  claim 14 , 
 wherein input to the troubleshooting display entered by the at least one user prompts a display of corrective actions to be performed by the at least one user.    
   
   
       18 . The tangible computer readable medium according to  claim 16 , 
 wherein the graphical user interface displays information comprising textual, graphical and video content, and    wherein the graphical user interface provides links to audio content.    
   
   
       19 . The tangible computer readable medium according to  claim 14 , 
 wherein a plurality of devices are provided access to network connections and the internet services.    
   
   
       20 . The tangible computer readable medium according to  claim 19 , wherein the graphical user interface displays information associated with the plurality of devices.