Patent ID: 6684336
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A communications arrangement comprising:a communications infrastructure; a plurality of end systems connected to the communications infrastructure; and a service system connected to the communications infrastructure for participating in the initiation of a data transfer operation between a first said end system and a second said end system; the first end system comprising connectivity means for informing the service system of an intended data transfer operation with said second system, and for contacting the second end system over the communications infrastructure for the purpose of effecting said intended data transfer operation, the connectivity means of the first end system being operative to initially pass the second end system a transfer-operation characteristic known also to the service system in respect of the intended said data transfer operation; the second end system comprising connectivity means for cooperating with the connectivity means of the first end system to effect said intended data transfer operation, the connectivity means of the second end system including verify means responsive to a said end system contacting the second end system and passing it a said transfer-operation characteristic, to communicate with the service system to check that the said transfer-operation characteristic received by the second end system corresponds to that known to the service system in respect of the intended data transfer operation with the second end system, the verify means only permitting data transfer to proceed where said transfer-operation characteristic checks out; and the service system including complementary verify means for cooperating with the verify means of the second end system to check said transfer-operation characteristic.