Abstract: A computer-implemented method determines a routing cost for routing data over a routing path between a first device in a first network and a second device, wherein the routing path has a path segment between a gateway device of the first network and a device in a second network, the gateway device being configured to establish a connection between the first and second networks. This method may include determining a routing cost for the path segment, the routing cost for the path segment having a default routing cost value that is based on capabilities of the gateway device and/or the communication technology; and determining the routing cost for the routing path based on the routing cost for the path segment. The invention furthermore relates to determining a route based on the routing cost, and to routing a data packet based on the route.

Abstract: An electronic device of the invention is configured to allow a user of a first device to request transmission of a message, obtain a location of a second device, and transmit the message to devices within a certain range of the second device. The first device may be carried by a person who wants to retrieve a missing person, animal, or object. The second device may be carried by the missing person or missing animal or attached to or incorporated into the missing object. The message may be transmitted by the first device, by the second device, and/or by an Internet server, for example.

Abstract: An electronic device of the invention is configured to allow a user of a first device to request transmission of a message, obtain a location of a second device, and transmit the message to devices within a certain range of the second device. The first device may be carried by a person who wants to retrieve a missing person, animal, or object. The second device may be carried by the missing person or missing animal or attached to or incorporated into the missing object. The message may be transmitted by the first device, by the second device, and/or by an Internet server, for example.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method determines a routing cost for routing data over a routing path between a first device in a first network and a second device, wherein the routing path has a path segment between a gateway device of the first network and a device in a second network, the gateway device being configured to establish a connection between the first and second networks. This method may include determining a routing cost for the path segment, the routing cost for the path segment having a default routing cost value that is based on capabilities of the gateway device and/or the communication technology; and determining the routing cost for the routing path based on the routing cost for the path segment. The invention furthermore relates to determining a route based on the routing cost, and to routing a data packet based on the route.