The term flat rate is used to refer to all-inclusive connection rates that are not billed according to connection times, but instead as a flat fee for fixed periods. With flat rates, there is no longer any reason to disconnect. On the contrary: New e-mails should be reported directly to the PC, the home workplace is to be continuously connected to the company network and users want to be able to reach friends and colleagues via Internet messenger services (ICQ etc.) without interruption. This means it is desirable to continuously maintain connections.
With the LANCOM the Keep-alive function ensures that connections are always established when the remote station has disconnected them.