Abstract: The delivery of emergency services to users of a set of communication devices in a packet-switched network is enabled by a method that determines a routing key corresponding to a particular directory number that is associated with a particular communication device, and stores the directory number and the corresponding routing key in a database accessible to a packet switch. The steps of determining and storing are executed during a provisioning phase, in the absence of an emergency call placed by the communication device. The routing key is indicative of routing instructions to be followed by the packet switch upon receipt of a future emergency call placed by the communication device. When the call is received by the packet switch, it will consult the database to obtain the routing key associated with the directory number and send the call as well as the routing key over a path dedicated to emergency calls.

Abstract: A network element for use in a network that provides voice-over-packet services to a plurality of communication devices, each of the communication devices being associated with a respective directory number. The network element comprises an interface connectable to a trunk group dedicated to emergency calls and a control entity. The control entity is operable to: receive an incoming call originated by one of the communication devices; determine the directory number associated with the communication device having originated the incoming call; and determine whether the incoming call is an emergency call. Responsive to the incoming call being an emergency call, the control entity obtains a routing key that had been stored in association with the directory number; and directs the incoming call and the obtained routing key via the interface towards a gateway, the gateway connecting the network element to a dedicated emergency network.

Abstract: A method of routing an emergency call received at a network element. The method comprises determining a directory number associated with a communication device having originated the emergency call, consulting a local database to obtain routing information associated with the directory number, and directing the call and the routing information over a path dedicated to emergency calls. Also, a network element which comprises the database as well as a control entity, the control entity being operative for receiving an incoming call originated by one of the communication devices, determining the directory number associated with the communication device having originated the call, determining whether the call is an emergency call and, responsive to the call being an emergency call, accessing the database to obtain the routing information related to the directory number and directing the call as well as the routing information over a trunk group dedicated to emergency calls.