Packet data network having distributed database

Communication networks and network nodes for carrying packet data traffic have architectures that give large freedom in network topology and simplify network extensions, accompanied by a lightweight but robust protocol. A network may be a cellular network that handles packet data traffic and voice traffic. Location information relating to terminals in a network may be determined through terminal-originated packets or control messaging. Stored location information may be cleared by elapse of time or specific messaging. Location information for different kinds of terminals may be stored in a centralized or distributed database.