Abstract: Per-packet billing for a packet data network, mobile or fixed, is provided by retrieving and processing all packets transported at a physical layer of the network, where the data packets are communicated with a traffic function that operates independently of a billing function. Using a billing-function computing resource, which is separate and independent from a traffic-function computing resource that processes traffic related information, the billing data are filtered out, processed, stored and distributed, without competing with the traffic functions of the network. Two independent physical layer interfaces separately couple a communication link of the physical layer to the billing-function computing resource and traffic-function computing resource, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to distributed computer or server networks and to methods of automatically establishing communication links between individual servers in the network. By taking advantage of the properties of group addresses (anycast addresses) inherent in certain networking technologies, coupled with innovative discovery and hunt protocols the servers in the network all become members of an overlay spanning tree where the tree is comprised of servers as nodes and communication links as edges. Discovery and hunt protocols are implemented to locate peer servers in the network and communication links are set up as required.

Abstract: Apparatus for an improved ISDN terminal adapter (5) and accompanying methods for use therein. The adapter provides automatic ISDN switch detection, automatic SPID configuration, baud rate unblocking and automatic data compression. Specifically, the adapter automatically detects a type of ISDN switch (480) to which the adapter is connected by analyzing D-channel initialization messages which are received by the adapter from the switch as well as specific responses to ISDN messages sent by the adapter. The switch type value is then used, during SPID determination, in conjunction with a telephone area code of the user, to access an internal database (435) of predefined SPID formats, referenced in terms of particular telephone service areas and switch types, to access the possible SPID format(s) for the ISDN switch.