Abstract: The invention relates to an International Mobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI, handling system (1) for a cellular telephone network. An MS (MS) comprises a first switching device (2) arranged to switch IMSI from said IMSI in use to a 5 new IMSI. The system comprises an HLR (HLR) associated with a second switching device (3) arranged to switch IMSI in the HLR (HLR) correspondingly. The first and second switching devices (2, 3) are arranged to switch IMSI at selected points in time. The second switching device (3) comprises an identifying means (4) arranged to identify the new IMSI in the 10 HLR (HLR) as the subscriber. The invention also refers to a method for an IMSI handling system.

Abstract: A method of establishing a connection between network elements is disclosed, in which, when a network element is newly connected, it enters a first mode (the seek mode), in which it attempts to establish the required network connections. In the first mode, the network element continuously sends short messages, once in each time slot. The second mode of operation of the network elements (the standby mode), in which they already have established connections, involves listening for such messages being sent from newly connecting network elements. On detection of such a message, therefore, the already connected network element sends a reply message to the newly connected network element, and the two network elements establish a connection between them.

Abstract: A method of establishing a connection between network elements is disclosed, in which, when a network element is newly connected, it enters a first mode (the seek mode), in which it attempts to establish the required network connections. In the first mode, the network element continuously sends short messages, once in each time slot. The second mode of operation of the network elements (the standby mode), in which they already have established connections, involves listening for such messages being sent from newly connecting network elements. On detection of such a message, therefore, the already connected network element sends a reply message to the newly connected network element, and the two network elements establish a connection between them.