In one embodiment, performance parameters may be determined for each of a plurality of network address prefixes in a computer network. The circuit includes a differential input for receiving a differential input signal. The refractory structural member and the coating are heated at least once in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to a temperature T that is greater than or equal to the liquidus temperature TL of the noble metal alloy. The second negative-electrode active material layer is formed on the first negative-electrode active material layer. The communications manager includes computer-readable instructions for storing an entry in the message log for each non-recorded communication sent by and received by a user. Various aspects of this approach include the regularity of the syntax, the relative ease with which the instruction set can be represented in database form, the ready ability with which tools can be created, the ready generation of self-checking codes and parameterized test cases.