Abstract: A network device comprising: a processor; and a memory comprising instructions which when executed by the processor cause the device to allocate a packet to a Media Session Controller (MSC) by receiving the packet; inspecting a port number in the packet header of the packet; comparing the port number with one or more MSC-port allocations in a database; selecting based on the comparison an MSC from a plurality of MSCs; and forwarding the received packet to the selected MSC.

Abstract: A wireless access device is operable in a mode in which its maximum transmit power is set to a value that means that the device has a range of less than 1 metre. This allows the device to operate as a basestation in a cellular communications network, even in locations in which it is not specifically licensed, because the power level is so low that it will not cause interference on the licensed frequencies. The wireless access device is designed such that a handheld portable device can be maintained in a close spatial relationship to it.

Abstract: A method (400) of preloading data on a cache (210) in a local machine (235). The cache (210) is operably coupled to a data store (130), in a remote host machine (240). The method includes the steps of determining a user behaviour profile for the local machine (235); retrieving data relating to the user behaviour profile from the data store (130); and preloading the retrieved data in the cache (210), such that the data is made available to the cache user when desired. A local machine, a host machine, a cache, a communication system and preloading functions are also described. In this manner, data within the cache is maintained and replaced in a substantially optimal manner, and configured to be available to a cache user when it is predicted that the user wishes to access the data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for an "orbitread" tread builder, or the like, whereby waste rubber crumbs or buffing dust can be used for the formation of a tread strip to be applied onto a tire casing to form a new tread layer. The accessory essentially includes a feeding arrangement to feed the crumbs or dust into the screw or worm conveyor of the tread builder, where it is combined with the conventionally used rubber compound which is extruded into the required tread strip form.