Abstract: Signaling messages are exchanged for a call between a calling party to a called party. A setup message for the call is exchanged through at least one gate controller. Network resources are reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages. An end-to-end message for the call is exchanged without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

Abstract: Signaling messages are exchanged for a call between a calling party to a called party. A setup message for the call is exchanged through at least one gate controller. Network resources are reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages. An end-to-end message for the call is exchanged without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

Abstract: Gates for a call between a calling party and a called party are coordinated. A timer associated with a first gate opened at an originating network edge device is initiated. A first gate open message is sent from the originating network edge device to the terminating network edge device. The first gate at the originating network edge device is released if the timer expires before at least one from the group of: (1) an acknowledgment based on the sent first gate open message is received from the terminating network edge device, and (2) a second gate open message is received at the originating network edge device from the terminating network edge device after the terminating network edge device has opened a second gate associated with the called party.

Abstract: Segmented resource reservation is performed for at least one call. Network resources associated with a first network are reserved according to that network's own reservation policy and based on an indication from a calling party. For the at least one call, network resources associated with a second network are reserved according to its own reservation policy and based on an indication from a called party. The second network is coupled to the first network.

Abstract: Gates a call between a calling party and a called party are coordinated. A timer associated with a first opened at an originating network edge device is initiated. A first gate open message is sent from the originating network edge device to the terminating network edge device. The first gate at the originating network edge device is released if the timer expires before at least one from the group of: (1) an acknowledgment based on the sent first gate open message is received from the terminating network edge device, and (2) a second gate open message is received at the originating network edge device from the terminating network edge device after the terminating network edge device has opened a second gate associated with the called party.

Abstract: Network resources for a call between a calling party and a called party are allocated. The network resources for the call are reserved based on a reservation request. In particular, the network resources for the call are reserved based on a reservation request. Prior to the reservation request being made, one or more operational parameters for the call are established by a gate controller and sent to a network edge device or other routing entity associated with one of the parties. An identifier, illustratively a so-called gate identification, is sent to that party. Thereafter the routing entity receives the identifier from the associated party in, for example, the aforementioned resource reservation request. The routing entity is able is able to use the identifier to determine the one or more parameters established for the call and to thereupon cause the call to be established—including the reserving of resources—in a way that is consistent with the one or more parameters.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in a network that offers a simple user interface for efficient utilization of network resources. The VPN is defined for a specified set of endpoints each of which is associated with a single “hose.” A hose provides access to the VPN through an access point which may be a node of the network, for example. The hose is a single interface to the VPN for communication to all other endpoints of the VPN. The VPN achieves network resource allocation efficiency by exploiting resource sharing possibilities via multiplexing routing paths between endpoints and dynamic resource allocation techniques that permit real time resource allocation resizing. When a VPN is established with a VPN service provider, the routing paths between the endpoints of the VPN is optimized for multiplexing opportunities so that resource allocations between nodes along routing paths within the IP network is reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: Lawfully-authorized electronic surveillance is performed. A call associated with a first party to be surveilled is verified, on a per-call basis. Packets associated with the call are multicast to a second party and to a surveillance receiver.

Abstract: A method of configuring a network access device having a first network address allocated to a subscriber of services of a first service provider provided by a first service network, with a new network address allocated to a subscriber of services of a second service provider provided by a second service network, wherein the network access device is connected to an access network connected to a plurality of service networks. The method comprises the steps of: sending a request from the network access device to the access network requesting a change to a second service provider; receiving a response from the access network; and initiating a network address change request using a configuration protocol. In this manner, a second network address allocated to the subscriber of services of the second service provider is assigned to the network access device to enable the network access device to communicate data packets to the service network providing the selected service.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to enable multiple services or service providers to share the facilities of an access network infrastructure providing physical connectivity to subscribers. A network access device advantageously may be used in communication network services with a service or service provider that is separate from the operator of the access network infrastructure.

Abstract: A method of configuring a network access device connected to an access network connected to a plurality of service networks, the network device having a first network address allocated to a subscriber of services of a first service provider provided by a first service network, with a new network address allocated to a second subscriber of services of either the first service provider, or a second service provider provided by a second service network. The method comprises the steps of: sending a request from the network access device to the access network with user credentials for the second subscriber requesting access to the first service provider or a change to the second service provider; receiving a response from the access network; and initiating a network address change request using a configuration protocol.

Abstract: Signaling messages are exchanged for a call between a calling party to a called party. A setup message for the call is exchanged through at least one gate controller. Network resources are reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages. An end-to-end message for the call is exchanged without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

Abstract: Signaling messages are exchanged for a call between a calling party to a called party. A setup message for the call is exchanged through at least one gate controller. Network resources are reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages. An end-to-end message for the call is exchanged without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

Abstract: Providing transport protocol within a communication network having a lossy link. The receiver distinguishes between packets received with non-congestion bit errors and packets having been not at all received due to congestion. When packets are received with non-congestion bit errors, the receiver sends selective acknowledgments indicating that the packets were received with bit errors while suppressing duplicate acknowledgments to prevent the invocation of a congestion mechanism.

Abstract: A call is forwarded by connecting the call between an originating location and a forwarding location without connecting the call through a terminating location. The originating location is associated with a calling party. The terminating location is associated with a dialed number. The terminating location and the forwarding location is associated with the called party. A bill for the call is apportioned between the calling party and the called party. The bill portion for the calling party is a function of the originating location and the terminating location. The bill portion for the called party is a function of the terminating location and the forwarding location.

Abstract: State information for a call between a calling party and a called party is established without maintaining the state information at a gate controller. A setup request for the call is received at an originating gate controller. The originating gate controller is connected to a trusted network. The calling party is associated with an originating interface unit coupled to an untrusted network. The setup request for the call is authorized. The authorized setup request is sent to the called party. State information for the call is formatted based on a setup acknowledgment message received from the calling party. The state information for the call is sent from the originating gate controller to the originating interface unit without maintaining the state information at the originating gate controller.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in a network that offers a simple user interface for efficient utilization of network resources. The VPN is defined for a specified set of endpoints each of which is associated with a single “hose.” A hose provides access to the VPN through an access point which may be a node of the network, for example. The hose is a single interface to the VPN for communication to all other endpoints of the VPN. The VPN achieves network resource allocation efficiency by exploiting resource sharing possibilities via multiplexing routing paths between endpoints and dynamic resource allocation techniques that permit real time resource allocation resizing. When a VPN is established with a VPN service provider, the routing paths between the endpoints of the VPN is optimized for multiplexing opportunities so that resource allocations between nodes along routing paths within the IP network is reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A call between a first network associated with a calling party and a second network associated with a called party is connected. The source address for packets associated with the call arc translated. The packets are sent from the calling party to the called party without the called party receiving the source address that indicates at least one from the group of a logical identity of the calling party and a geographical identity of the calling party.

Abstract: A startup management system and method, particularly adapted for use in computer and other communication networks, is presented. Rate-based flow and congestion control mechanisms have been considered desirable, including to deal with the needs of emerging multimedia applications. Explicit rate control mechanisms achieve low loss because of a smooth flow of data from sources, while adjusting source rates through feedback. However, large feedback delays, presence of higher priority traffic and varying network conditions make it difficult to ensure feasibility (i.e., the aggregate arrival rate is below the bottleneck resource's capacity) while also maintaining very high resource utilization. The invention applies entry and early warning techniques which increase the initial connect rate of newly connecting sources.

Abstract: A startup management system and method, particularly adapted for use in computer and other communication networks, is presented. Rate-based flow and congestion control mechanisms have been considered desirable, including to deal with the needs of emerging multimedia applications. Explicit rate control mechanisms achieve low loss because of a smooth flow of data from sources, while adjusting source rates through feedback. However, large feedback delays, presence of higher priority traffic and varying network conditions make it difficult to ensure feasibility (i.e., the aggregate arrival rate is below the bottleneck resource's capacity) while also maintaining very high resource utilization. The invention applies entry and early warning techniques which increase the initial connect rate of newly connecting sources.