Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling call admission for packet switched networks, each network including at least two local area networks (50, 60) and a connecting network (70). The method comprises determining success rates of previous calls from a first local area network to a second local area network and deciding to drop the call attempt based on the success rates of previous calls. In one embodiment, the current packet loss rate for calls from the first local area network to the second local area network is also determined, and the decision to drop the call attempt is based on that current packet loss rate. Additionally, the decision to drop the call attempt may be based on both the current packet loss rate and the success rates of previous calls.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling calls for packet switched networks, each network including at least two local area networks (50, 60) and a connecting network (70). The method comprises the steps of determining an acceptable packet loss rate for a call to be established between two of the local area networks, comparing actual packet loss rate to the acceptable packet loss rate, and dropping the call if the actual packet loss rate is greater than the acceptable packet loss rate. determining for how long a period the actual packet loss rate has been happening and utilising that period in deciding to drop the call. A recorded announcement may be played when the call is to be dropped. Alternatively, the priority of the transmission of the continuous stream of data can be changed when the actual packet loss rate is not acceptable and the above steps are repeated. Ideally, data relating to dropped calls is stored for future use.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling call admission for packet switched networks, each network including at least two local area networks (50, 60) and a connecting network (70). The method comprises transmitting a burst 5 of trial data of the same size as the packet to be transmitted from a first node (52, 54) in a first local area network (50) to a second node (62, 64) in a second local area network (60) via the connecting network (70). The connecting network (70) comprises a plurality of routing nodes (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) for routing the burst of trial data of the same size as the packet to be transmitted from a first node (52, 54) in a first local area network (50) to second node (62, 64) in a second local area network (60) via the connecting network (70). The connecting network (70) comprises a plurality of routing nodes (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) for routing the burst of trial data to the second node in the second local area network along a particular path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purpose of ensuring positioning between a fixed automatic fueling service terminal and a vehicle, such that the vehicle is identified within a close range and authorized to dock at an identified service terminal to exchange services. This is accomplished by wirelessly determining the proximity of a couplable vehicle, with respect to a docking location at the service terminal. When a vehicle is within a specified distance of an automatic fueling service terminal, known as the zone of proximity detection, the vehicle identification code and service terminal identification code are both continuously determined and passed to a multi-port station controller, for authentication of service transactions and secure service processes, including automatically fueling the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy exchange network provides a coupling service to users of the network. Access to a user through an access controller is controlled initially by allowing only the coupling service to communicate with the user. Several wireless communications zones are established so that the vehicle can be identified and guided to effect coupling. The coupling service effects control of the physical connection of a user vehicle to the energy exchange network. Typically, other services are subsequently provided and a service is not given more access than needed at any point in the sequence, hence a user can only respond to the service currently connected and cannot access other services. The coupling service automates connection to the energy exchange network while protecting the network against unauthorized access. A security service is associated with the coupling service to provide various levels of security for users of the coupling service.

Abstract: An energy exchange network provides services to users through a firewall. The firewall includes a plurality of ports and a plurality of services. Access to a client through the firewall is controlled by mapping a port to a service so that at any given time, the client is communicating with one service via one port. A different service must access the client through a different port. Typically, services are provided sequentially so that access through the ports is also sequential, a service is not given more access than needed at any point in the sequence, hence a user can only respond to the service currently connected and cannot access other services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purpose of ensuring positioning between a fixed automatic fueling service terminal and a vehicle, such that the vehicle is identified within a close range and authorized to dock at an identified service terminal to exchange services. This is accomplished by wirelessly determining the proximity of a couplable vehicle, with respect to a docking location at the service terminal. When a vehicle is within a specified distance of an automatic fueling service terminal, known as the zone of proximity detection, the vehicle identification code and service terminal identification code are both continuously determined and passed to a multi-port station controller, for authentication of service transactions and secure service processes, including automatically fueling the vehicle.