A method, an apparatus and a system for providing secondary or backup Internet
access are disclosed. The system includes a local network server having a primary
router for directing data to/from a primary Internet backbone and a secondary router
for directing data to/from a secondary Internet backbone. The primary router is
connected to a primary local communications circuit employing a primary transmission
medium. A primary point of presence is connected to the primary local communication
circuit, and thereby provides primary Internet access via a primary Internet backbone.
The secondary router is connected to a secondary local communications circuit employing
a secondary transmission medium different than the primary transmission medium.
A secondary point of presence is connected to the secondary local communication
circuit, and thereby provides secondary Internet access via a secondary Internet
backbone. The system employs control logic for detecting a failure to provide Internet
access via the primary router, and for directing communication to the secondary
router. A method and an apparatus for providing secondary Internet access are also disclosed.