Abstract: A system and method for sending long distance telephone calls over the Internet utilizes cost and quality of service data to optimize system performance and to minimize the cost of completing the calls. The system utilizes a network of gateways connected to the Internet. The gateways receive calls from various service providers and convert the analog calls into data packets which are then placed onto the Internet. Similarly, the gateways take data packets off the Internet, convert the data packets back into analog format, and provide the analog telephone calls to the same or another service provider. Then system periodically checks the quality of communications between each of the gateways, and uses this information, in combination with cost information, to determine how to route the calls over the Internet. Special addressing protocols can be used by a system embodying the invention to reduce or eliminate unnecessary signaling between gateways as call setup procedures are carried out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a titration method for determining the concentration of a base developer solution to within ±0.02 mN, which involves performing steps (a) and (b) in any order: (a) weighing to ±0.001%, an amount of a solution of aqueous base developer of known approximate normality; (b) weighing to ±0.001%, an amount of an acid titrant sufficient to neutralize at least 90% of the base developer in the solution of step (a); thereafter performing steps (c)-(e) in the following order: (c) contacting the aqueous base developer solution with the acid titrant to neutralize at least 90% of the base developer in the solution, and leaving from about 1% to about 10% of the original aqueous base developer as residual non-neutralized base developer in the solution; (d) titrating the residual non-neutralized base developer in the solution with the acid titrant to the end point in an inert atmosphere, wherein the temperature of the titrant is maintained at a temperature of about 20-30° C.±0.