Abstract: A method of scheduling the handling of communication channels by a processor assigned to handle a plurality of channels. The method includes determining for each channel, handled by the processor, a target time by which time it should receive processing, selecting one or more of the assigned channels whose data is to be handled next, based on the target times of the channels and when more than one channel is selected, choosing for handling before other channels, at least one of the selected channels based on a consideration directed at minimizing the average processing time of the channels.

Abstract: A method of performing a negotiation session on a modem connection. The method includes receiving a plurality of negotiation signals from the source modem, by a first gateway, forwarding at least some of the received negotiation signals from the first gateway to a second gateway, over a packet based network, receiving, by the first gateway, responses to the forwarded negotiation signals from the second gateway, forwarding the responses from the second gateway to the source modem, by the first gateway, and transmitting from the first gateway to the source modem, response signals to at least some of the received negotiation signals, without receiving a response to the at least some of the signals from the second gateway.

Abstract: A method of transmitting signals between a source modem and a destination modem. The method includes transmitting the signals from the source modem, over a first switched network path, to a first interface, encapsulating the at least some of the signals received by the first interface into packets, transmitting the packets from the first interface over a packet-based network to a second interface, removing the encapsulation of the signals at the second interface; and transmitting the data signals from the second interface over a second switched network path to the destination modem.

Abstract: A method of channel routing. The method includes receiving an incoming connection, determining an amount of processing resources required to handle the incoming connection, and selecting a remote access server to handle the incoming connection, responsive to the determined amount of processing resources.