9 Connection handling

Some applications need to make use of Internet connections and should follow these guidelines.

When an application needs to connect to the Internet this should be done automatically. This means that the user should not be forced to connect manually, for example, by tapping or pressing a button. The application can specify which Internet Access Point (IAP) it should use, or it can trust the system to use correct settings from the Internet Setup.

The application should automatically connect to the Internet when a connection is needed.

Progress information should be visible for the user when connecting and transferring data with an explicit connection. The user should be informed about any connection errors.

The application should provide connection progress information to the user.

If an Internet connection is already established the application can, if possible, use it, or it can specify another IAP to be used.

The application should, if possible, make use of a currently open Internet connection.

When connected, the application should provide the user with an option to disconnect. The application should close its connection automatically when done, but it should NOT close the network connection.

The application should offer the user the possibility to disconnect when connected.

If the application is in the foreground and is disconnected during an operation, due to error and not user interaction, the application should inform the user and offer to re-establish the connection.

If the application is in the background and is disconnected during an operation it should be obvious that the operation failed due to disconnection upon returning to the application.

The application should handle a connection being terminated at any time and for any reason.