manage multiple modems

Hi list,

I have a linux machine with 20 modems connected. This machine is supposed to connect to ~300 clients in the same subnet, but in different geographical locations. Each one has its own modem and phone line. The machine has to be able to connect 20 clients parallel.

Example problem:
I want copy some data from 50 specific clients. The machine should connect to twenty clients, copy the desired data, drop the connections. When a modem has finished it's transaction it should be connected to the next client.

My question is:
Can I get diald to work parallel with all the 20 modems?
Or is there an alternative way to this?

Thanks in advance,

Peter