Abstract: Application layer authentication of a data-network based application makes use of a SIM function accessible to the application and telephone network authentication service accessible to a server to the application. For example, the application uses SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) for communication with the server and the authentication service is provided via a GSM based telephone network. In one implementation, a device (a “dongle”) includes an authentication module, application software, and an interface for communicating with a remote server over a data communication network. The application software includes instructions for using the authentication module to authorize an application layer interaction with the remote server.

Abstract: A call is received over a packet network, and multiple devices are notified of that call over the packet network. A response is received from a first of the devices and in response a first connection of the call is established to the first of the devices. A message is then received from a second of the devices and in response a second connection of the call is established to the second of the devices.

Abstract: A communication system includes a subsystem that provides an interface between an IP based telephone control network and a public data network, the subsystem is used for registration of a subscriber's devices on the public data network with the telephone network and enables receiving and/or originating communication sessions from the devices through the telephone network. The subsystem can emulate a P-CSCF function to couple devices on the public Internet, for example voice-over-IP devices, to an IMS or MMD cellular telephone infrastructure.

Abstract: A telephone system supports communication with user devices over both a cellular radio network as well as over an Internet Protocol (IP) network, and enables roaming and active call handoff between cellular and IP domains. Approaches to detecting presence of a user near a suitable IP network are used in controlling transitions between the domains, for example, enabling automatic transitions between domains, and delivery of calls to a mobile user to data network devices in the vicinity of the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a change in demand for server resources across a load-bearing system having one or more content servers hosting identical content, the load-bearing system being connected to a network of content servers; and automatically modifying the number of content servers on the load-bearing system in response to the change in demand.