Abstract: Extending Mobile IP to support both local and remote access by using two MIP client stacks in the end node, a roaming Node in the local access network, a standard Home Agent in the remote network. Messages between the AR and the MN, and between the internal modules of the MN, are then used to control hand-off for each MIP client and to enable backwards compatibility with legacy remote access clients.

Abstract: A metrology device incorporates a programmable smart card. The smart card may be a Java programmable smart card and allows the metrology device to access Java applications and resources while still retaining independent control over its metrological functions. A smart card interface allows the smart card and metrological device to communicate with each other using the ISO 7816 protocol. The smart card may be external to the metrology device, or it may be fixedly installed in the metrology device. Java applications may be pre-loaded or downloaded on the smart card. The metrological device may select which applications to be run on the smart card. The smart card may have an enhanced operating system that includes various metrological functions as native functions. Alternatively, the metrological functions may be included as part of a Java class library which may be accessed by the operating system or Java applications.

Abstract: A telecommunications system provides telephone services to subscriber locations over dedicated optical fibers which extend in a “star” configuration from a telephone central office. A transmultiplexer installed at the central office is connected between a digital switch and the optical fibers. The transmultiplexer has a plurality of FDM ports, each of which is connected to a respective one of the optical fibers. The transmultiplexer is connected by one or more TDM ports to the digital switch. Preferably, the transmultiplexer provides a concentrating function whereby the number of subscriber lines served by the transmultiplexer is greater than the total voice-grade channel capacity of the connection between the transmultiplexer and the digital switch.