Communication access system with distributed processing

A method and apparatus for distributing protocol processing among a pluralit y of computing platforms. Data communications equipment (10) such as Remote Access Devices, Communication Servers, Terminal Servers, and Dial-up Routers provide single user or large-scale multiple user communication access to various computing environments. The equipment costs and performance of level s of providing such access equipment is related to the amount of CPU processin g capability and memory required to support the desired number of serial communications links. It is common to use protocols that terminate in their entirely in the same processing machine. This invention encompasses method developed to increase the cost/performance capabilities of the communication equipment that supports these serial links, primarily by means of distributi ng the protocol processing across multiple computing platforms, including devic es such as modems (m).