Abstract: The invention features a method for enabling computers to communicate using encrypted network packets. A configuration request is sent over a network from a first computer to a second computer, and tunnel record information is sent over the network from the second computer to the first computer. The tunnel record information is encrypted in accordance with a temporary configuration password.The invention also features a method for updating a tunnel record. A connection request is sent from a first computer to a second computer, and the first computer is authorized. A tunnel record corresponding to the connection request with the first computer's network address is then updated.

Abstract: A computer communications system has a controller for controlling a master with a circuit timer, the circuit timer is capable of aggregating data produced during a circuit timer interval into a single master message, and the data is produced by a plurality of users, where each user is capable of establishing a plurality of sessions. There is a communication pathway, responsive to expiration of the circuit timer interval, for sending the aggregated data to a slave. Also there is a acknowledgement circuit for the slave to send an acknowledge message to the master upon expiration of a delay ACK time interval, the delay ACK time interval is greater than the circuit timer interval, and the circuit timer is capable of initiating sending of a plurality of master messages during one delay ACK time interval.