Abstract: A method for forming a secure virtual private network (VPN) is described comprising: providing a lookup device, causing at least one pre-designated contact entity on the VPN to periodically poll the lookup device for received joining requests, receiving at the lookup device a request from a joining entity to connect to the VPN, in response to a poll for joining requests the lookup device notifying the polling contact entity of at least the address of each joining entity, and the contact entity supplying at least its address to the lookup device which passes this to the joining entity to establish a link with the contact entity.

Abstract: A method for forming a secure virtual private network (VPN) is described. The secure virtual private network consists of two or more linked entities having internet connectability where each entity has links with at least one other device on the VPN. The method comprising the steps of: providing a lookup device having a known address with an updatable index of entities known to be connectable to the VPN. Causing at least one pre-designated contact entity on the VPN to periodically poll the lookup device for received joining requests. The look up device accepts requests from known entities (“joining entity”) wishing to link to the VPN. The lookup device receives a request from a joining entity to connect to the VPN. In response to a poll for joining requests the lookup device notifies the polling contact entity of at least the address of each joining entity.

Abstract: A method for sharing functionality and/or data between two or more linked entities using a network. The method comprising the steps of creating on at least one entity at least one real object, each real object providing access to the functionality and/or data of the entity. The method further comprising the step of creating on each entity at least one virtual object, each virtual object providing access to the functionality and/or data of a real object on the entity, each virtual object containing at least one object action. The method further comprising the step of creating on at least one entity at least one remote object for connection to a virtual object on a remote entity via the network; the remote object allowing an entity to access functionality and/or data of a remote entity.