Abstract: A layer of network elements is provided between already existing physical networks and service providers or users. The network elements communicate via interfaces not only with each other, but also with the physical networks which are connected to them. This layer, which is implemented by network elements distributed in the network, enables the network user to access the existing network resources available in the physical, subjacent networks. This enables all available basic and value-added services to be used. The required and generated data are collected separately according to users or service providers in the relevant physical networks, and are managed and made available for further processing.

Abstract: A method for controlling connections in a communication network including setting up a signaling connection between a subscriber of the communication network and a service access system based on a service connection request by the subscriber; and setting up a payload connection associated with the signaling connection only between the service access system and the subscriber given data traffic for the service and clearing down the payload connection after the data transmission.

Abstract: A distributed operating system for controlling network elements in a data or telecommunication network in which the operating system controls a data and communication network consisting of various underlying physical base networks. These base networks consist of network elements that provide various network (basic) services and network functions and can be controlled by system-specific calls. Accordingly, there exist higher-ranking network elements that are equipped with specific operating system components and execute basic functions independent of the physical subnetworks, such as accessing the physical base networks, distributing the calls of basic services, and converting the calls into the corresponding system-specific formats.

Abstract: The invention is based on the object of specifying a method for fee scheduling that enables a flexible fee scheduling in deregulated networks. This object is achieved in that a tariff of a connection is explicitly indicated in a tariff message.