Abstract: A method and related apparatus for connecting first and second user-terminals to one another over a network (e.g., the internet) containing a plurality of user-terminals and a plurality of respective network access servers. When the second user-terminal connects to its respective network access server, this network access server sends connection information to the subscriber data server which updates its database with this connection information. The subscriber data server handles an incoming call request, from a first user-terminal connected to a first virtual private network, to establish a connection between the first user-terminal and the second user-terminal that is connected to a second virtual private network. The subscriber data server at first searches in its database for connection information of the second user-terminal and then determines the respective network access server that is connected to the second user-terminal based on the determined connection information.

Abstract: The efficiency of processor systems—pc-modem-gateway—for allowing users contacting service systems via access systems comprising stored service system codes defining and allowing access to these service systems and comprising stored user profiles related to service system codes, can be increased by, in response to download signals, downloading service system codes from the access systems to the processor system and storing these downloaded service system codes in the processor system's memory. Then users have these service system codes available in their processor system. The storing of downloaded service system codes may be temporarily, in case of the processor system generating access signals, and the access systems in response generating download signals, or may be for a longer period, in which case both said service system codes stored in the access systems and downloaded service system codes stored in the memory should be synchronized.

Abstract: The invention relates notably to a method for providing connectivity between hosts in a data communication network, at least one host, herein called semi-permanent user, being able to be connected to a Network Access Server over an access network.