Abstract: A system has a node connected to a network, the node generating a separate session message for each of a plurality of users. The node places each of the separate session message in a slot in a single virtual circuit message, and transmits the virtual circuit message onto the network. A server is connected to the network, and the server receives the virtual circuit message, and the server identifies each of the separate session messages. The server then transmits each of the separate session message to a user having a session corresponding to each of the separate session messages.

Abstract: A local area network for interconnecting terminals and other users and data processing systems and other service providers over a communications link by means of interface units each of which may connect to several users or providers. The interface units communicate over the communications link by means of messages. When a user requires the use of a service, the interface unit establishes a virtual circuit between it and the interface unit connected to the service provider and a service session which allows the user and the service provider to communicate over the virtual circuit. If several users connected to the one interface unit as the first user require services provided by providers which connected to the same interface unit as the first provider, they communicate in sessions over the same virtual circuits. The session messages are accumulated into single virtual circuit messages that are acknowledged in unison by the receiving interface unit.

Abstract: A local area network for interconnecting terminals and other users and data processing systems and other service providers over a communications link. The users and providers connect to the communications link by means of interface units each of which may connect to several users or providers. The interface units communicate over the communications link by means of messages. When a user requires the use of a service, the interface unit establishes a virtual circuit between it and the interface unit connected to the service provider and a service session which allows the user and the service provider to communicate over the virtual circuit. If several users connected to the one interface unit as the first user require services provided by providers which connected to the same interface unit as the first provider, they communicate in sessions over the same virtual circuits. The session messages are accumulated into single virtual circuit messages that are acknowledged in unison by the receiving interface unit.