Abstract: A communication network messaging server (1, 100) and user devices (2, 102) have control channels (10, 21, 110) to send and receive control data. The server sends to an originating device control data indicating recipient availability, status, and/or presence prior to the originating device sending a message. The server control channel (110) includes a multiplexer (104) for streaming between a user message channel and the control channel and maintains device registration data, status data, presence data, and user group management data. The server (100) enables end user initiated availability, status, and/or presence updates to be shared with the messaging network and with recipient devices via said control channel.

Abstract: A communication network messaging server (1, 100) and user devices (2, 102) have control channels (10, 21, 110) to send and receive control data. The server sends to an originating device control data indicating recipient availability, status, and/or presence prior to the originating device sending a message. The server control channel (110) includes a multiplexer (104) for streaming between a user message channel and the control channel and maintains device registration data, status data, presence data, and user group management data. The server (100) enables end user initiated availability, status, and/or presence updates to be shared with the messaging network and with recipient devices via said control channel.

Abstract: Context selection in a network element through subscriber flow switching. According to one embodiment of the invention, authentication, authorization and accounting is performed for a subscriber desiring to connect to a plurality of services on different contexts. In response, bindings are established to a plurality of contexts for the subscriber. In response to receiving a traffic packet from the subscribed, at least certain header information from the traffic packet is accessed. Based on at least the accessed header information, one of the plurality of contexts is selected for that traffic packet.