An enhanced name translation server, for use on a packet data network such
as the Internet, executes a conditional analysis in response to at least
some queries or requests for name translations. For example, the server
may return a different destination address at different times or in
response to translation requests from different terminals. The server also
can query a primary destination terminal device, and condition the
response to the calling terminal on the status of the primary terminal.
For example, if the primary terminal is `live` the server forwards the
address of that terminal to the calling terminal device to set up
communications. Otherwise, the server returns alternate destination
address information. The server also supports a wide variety of different
types of translations, including domain name to address, domain name to
telephone number, and telephone number to address. The enhanced
translations offer called customers numerous options for controlling
communications directed toward them, and the customers may elect to apply
these options both to their data communications services and their voice
communications services through the packet data network.