Abstract: A wireless data network, which covers a first physical area and has a wireless node is increased by generating access control information for the wireless data network. The access control information is communicated to a second wireless network associated with a mains power supply, e.g. a lighting circuit, operative in at least one part of the first physical area located within a secure environment. The access control information is transmitted to the wireless node using the second wireless network. The access control information is changed from time to time (preferably at predetermined intervals). The preceding steps are repeated for each change.

Abstract: Requests to send data from a first host within a network of hosts are monitored against a record of destination hosts that have been sent data in accordance with a predetermined policy. Destination host identities (not the record) are stored in a buffer. The buffer size is monitored to determine whether requests from the first host are pursuant to viral activity therein.

Abstract: A communication infrastructure comprising: a cellular telecommunications network having a distribution of cell sites defining a cellular coverage of the network; a matrix of wireless local area networks (WLANs) each of which is connected to the cellular telecommunications network over a private data network, at least some of the WLANs in the matrix falling within the cellular coverage of the cellular telecommunications network; and a plurality of mobile communication devices having both cellular communications network and wireless LAN connectivity, wherein the WLANs making up the matrix are selectively activated upon a request from the cellular telecommunications network in dependence on a determination when a mobile communication device connected to the cellular telecommunication network may be able to access one or more specified wireless LANs.

Abstract: A method of monitoring frequency availability for a telecommunications network includes: establishing details of frequency spectrum usage in a database, said details to include one or more of time of use, frequency and geographic area of use; and providing query means for the database, to allow the contents of the database to be queried.

Abstract: Requests to send data from a first host within a network of hosts are monitored against a record of destination hosts who have been sent data in accordance with a predetermined policy. Destination host identities not the record are stored in a buffer. The buffer size is monitored to establish whether requests from the first host are pursuant to viral activity therein.

Abstract: A method of enabling reuse of Web session data generated at a server in a client/server environment is described. The method comprises: recording a user's interaction with a Web site thereby producing Web session data; converting the Web session data into a document having a portable format; and transferring the portable format document to a user such that it may be reused to regenerate at least a part of the Web session at a later point in time. The portable document, typically in an XML format with XSL formatting instructions, can be passed to different users for editing and use by them and makes the Web session data browser and server independent.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the output of a contract or agreement at any point in time as required, comprising means for creating a state machine representative of the contract or agreement, at least some of the clauses and/or conditions of the contract or agreement being represented as a respective state variable of the state machine, means for storing the state machine, means for receiving data representative of one or more events relevant to the contract or agreement, determining whether the event changes the state of the state machine and changing the state of the state machine if required. The apparatus of the present invention, can provide the core for licence repository and automated rights management services, making the task of rights decision-making easier and more efficient. A preferred embodiment involves providing an novel digital representation of the contract, the unique aspect of this model being that it is dynamic, in that it accurately captures the sequential characteristics of real contracts.

Abstract: A method of distributing electronic content including metadata for that content comprises the following: reading the metadata to identify the content; identifying a holder of the copy; determining if the metadata includes licence data and whether the holder of the copy is a licensee; and, if not, receiving payment for that copy of said content so that said holder becomes an owner or licensee of said content. New licence data is then provided for inclusion in the metadata of that copy of the content to identify the holder as a licensee of said content.

Abstract: A method of distributing electronic content such as music or books via the internet involves transmitting licence data with the content. The licence data includes status information indicative of whether the licence is a full licence for content purchased from a content distributor, or temporary for content passed from a full licence owner to a new consumer who has not yet paid for the content. License status data is transmitted with or without content from one consumer to another. Connection to the internet allows the content management program to connect to the content distributor and transmit all stored licence status information. Detection of temporary licences by the content distributor triggers a request for payment of the content, and payment results in transmission of replacement licence data having a full licence status back to the consumer.

Abstract: A method of distributing electronic content such as music or books via the internet involves transmitting licence data with the content. The licence data includes status information indicative of whether the licence is a full licence for content purchased from a content distributor, or temporary for content passed from a fill licence owner to a new consumer who has not yet paid for the content. Content is transmitted from one consumer to another for example by PDA wireless transmission, with appropriate licence status data. Connection of a PDA on which content having only temporary licence status is stored to the internet automatically activates the content management program on the PDA to connect to the content distributor and transmit all stored licence status information. Detection of temporary licences by the content distributor triggers a request for payment of the content, and payment results in transmission of replacement licence data having a full licence status back to the consumer.