Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for transparent TCP negotiations. In one embodiment, endpoint machines (e.g., clients and servers) negotiate network characteristics through use of TCP header fields, which provide backward capability. Negotiations may be requested or initiated by either endpoint, and if the receiving endpoint is not capable of negotiating, the existing TCP connection will continue to operate as normal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for anonymous data transfers comprises connecting first and second network endpoints to at least one relay node and transferring data from the first endpoint to the second endpoint through the at least one relay node such that the first and second endpoints are not aware of each other's identities, e.g., are not aware of an ultimate source or destination of transferred data. In further embodiments, an information field specifying a number of times that a data transfer message (e.g., a request, response or get message) should be forwarded is altered so that no receiving node can inferentially identify an originating node.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for anonymous data transfers between first and second endpoints in a network comprises forwarding a message through the network, where a default value in the message's time to live field has been modified by an amount such that intermediate nodes or endpoints receiving the message can not infer an ultimate source (e.g., the first endpoint) of the message.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for DNS pre-fetching for multiple clients. In one embodiment, all packets coming into or going out of a local network are scanned for application protocol, domain names, and/or other information. If pre-defined criteria indicate that the network is interested in a particular domain name, a DNS lookup is performed and the corresponding IP address is cached by the local DNS server. The local DNS server is thereby able to quickly respond to future requests for the cached domain name. Moreover, because the IP address is cached at the local DNS server, any client connected to the local DNS server on the local network can request the cached domain name from the local DNS server and be quickly connected to the indicated domain name.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for pre-fetching resources based upon a query request to a resource lookup service. A monitoring application snoops for requests/replies from clients. Web content is pre-fetched via a web proxy based on the requests. Thus, the web content is made available to the client more efficiently.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing fatty acid halide by reacting a fatty acid with a halogenating agent optionally followed by hydrolysis of unreacted halogenating agent and separating the fatty acid halide upper layer from the inorganic lower layer characterized in that a fatty acid nitrogen derivative, preferably a fatty amide has been incorporated in the reaction mixture. Preferably the fatty acid is a saturated or unsaturated C.sub.6 to C.sub.24 fatty acid and the halogenating agent a phosphorus halide, especially phosphorus trichloride.