1. A method for communicating with mobile or portable devices while increasing the likelihood of successfully communicating when communication path availability lacks continuity, varies from location to location, and/or is made available using different means at different times or places, the method comprising: enabling communication with a mobile or portable device over a first communication path; enabling communication with the mobile or portable device over a second communication path that is at least in part not co-extensive with said first communication path; communicating signals representing at least a first portion of a node structure over said first communication path; communicating signals representing at least a second portion of said node structure over said second communication path; and using said signals sent over said first path and said signals sent over said second path to increase the likelihood of successful communication of said node structure, including reconciling redundant information conveyed over said first and second communication paths.