A network connection on a processor-based system may be managed by a software
layer
that accommodates for a variety of different types or characteristics of network
connections. In effect, the software layer abstracts the characteristics of a variety
of different connections and enables the client on the processor-based system to
connect without concern for the particular characteristics of the resident connection.
In addition, the software layer may determine when to release a connection to the
Internet. This may reduce the disruption that may occur when multiple clients use
the same connection and one of those clients disconnects the connection, thereby
terminating the access to the connection by one or more other clients.
