Abstract: An Internet Priority Service (IPS) provides to authorized users priority access to communication over the Internet during emergencies. Transmission of data packets from an authorized user that accesses the IPS are given priority for transmission over the Internet. The level of priority given to a data packet depends on the type of application associated with the data packet. Each user or group of users may also be given a respective IPS level of priority. Furthermore, for a particular authorized user, access to the IPS may be limited to a specific number of application types, which for example do not have high bandwidth requirements. Assigning different priority levels as a function of application type and user or group of users, and limiting IPS access to specific application types allows efficient methods of emergency communication to be implemented over the Internet during emergencies.

Abstract: Session flows between a client (1) and a server (2) are pinned through a receiving interworking unit (7) and a transmitting interworking unit (11) connected via the non-IP based communications path (9). The receiving interworking unit (7) and transmitting interworking unit (11) are then configured to convert received data between IP and a non-IP based communications protocols. Subsequently, when the transmitting interworking unit (11) receives IP protocol based data for the client (1) from the server (2) the data is converted and transmitted via the non-IP based communications link to the receiving interworking unit (7). Upon receipt, the receiving interworking unit (7) converts the data back into an IP-protocol based format and forwards the converted data on to the client (1).

Abstract: A virtual private network is provided across a Provider Link State Bridging (PLSB) network between a first node connected to a private LAN and a second node connected to a roaming device. The roaming device is authenticated. A successful authentication results in a Service Identifier for the VPN being sent to the second node. Connectivity between members of the VPN service instance is maintained as part of the PLSB Link State process for forwarding table maintenance, rather than by any form of explicit signalling. A single Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance can be located at the first node to provide point-to-point connectivity to each roaming device. A virtual Residential Gateway function can be combined with the Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance.

Abstract: A virtual private network is provided across a Provider Link State Bridging (PLSB) network between a first node connected to a private LAN and a second node connected to a roaming device. The roaming device is authenticated. A successful authentication results in a Service Identifier for the VPN being sent to the second node. Connectivity between members of the VPN service instance is maintained as part of the PLSB Link State process for forwarding table maintenance, rather than by any form of explicit signalling. A single Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance can be located at the first node to provide point-to-point connectivity to each roaming device. A virtual Residential Gateway function can be combined with the Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance.

Abstract: A system for increasing the call capacity of an access point in a WLAN that determines whether a maximum total voice path delay would be exceeded if the packetization delay is increased for packets in a call. In the event that the packetization delay can be increased without the total delay exceeding the maximum delay, the disclosed system increases the size of packets used in the call, if all participating devices can process the increased packet size. The maximum delay may be predetermined, and reflect a maximum delay that cannot be exceeded without adversely impacting the voice quality of a call. If the two end points for a call are determined to be physically “local” to each other, packetization delay for the call may be increased based on the assumption that the increased packetization delay will not decrease the voice quality of the call.

Abstract: A method of enabling extension of a network service of a first domain to a remote customer site hosted by an Access Gateway (AG) in a Provider Ethernet domain. In the first domain, the remote customer site is represented as being hosted by a border gateway (BG) connected to the Provider Ethernet domain, such that subscriber packets associated with the network service are forwarded to or from the remote customer site via the BG. In the Provider Ethernet domain, a trunk connection is instantiated through the Provider Ethernet domain between the host AG and the BG. A trunk cross-connection function is installed in the host AG, for transferring subscriber packets associated with the network service between a respective attachment virtual circuit (AVC) through which the remote customer site is connected to the host AG and an extended AVC tunnelled through the trunk connection.

Abstract: A method system for interfacing a client system in a first network domain with a Provider Link State Bridging (PLSB) network domain. At least two Backbone Edge Bridges (BEBs) of the PLSB domain 20 are provided. Each BEB is an end-point of a connection in the first network domain to the client system and an end-point of at least a unicast path defined within the PLSB domain 20. An inter-node trunk is provided in the PLSB domain 20 for interconnecting the at least two BEBs. A phantom node is defined in the PLSB domain 20. The phantom node has a unique address in the PLSB domain 20 and is notionally located on the inter-node trunk one hop from each of the BEBs. Each of the BEBs is configured such that: an ingress packet received from the client system via the connection in the first network domain is forwarded through a path notionally rooted at the phantom node; and an egress subscriber packet destined for the client system is forwarded to the client system through the connection in the first network domain.

Abstract: A virtual private network is provided across a Provider Link State Bridging (PLSB) network between a first node connected to a private LAN and a second node connected to a roaming device. The roaming device is authenticated. A successful authentication results in a Service Identifier for the VPN being sent to the second node. Connectivity between members of the VPN service instance is maintained as part of the PLSB Link State process for forwarding table maintenance, rather than by any form of explicit signalling. A single Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance can be located at the first node to provide point-to-point connectivity to each roaming device. A virtual Residential Gateway function can be combined with the Customer Virtual Bridge/Virtual Switch Instance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the IMS/SIP architecture of the NGN to provide QoS service to generic bearer flows. More particularly, a method is provided for establishing an bearer end-to-end path of a communication session in a multi-domain communication network in which an out of band signalling protocol is used to establish communications sessions. The method comprises receiving an out-of-band signalling message including information representative of at least an opposite end point of a first bearer segment of the end-to-end path. The information is used to define a cross-connect mapping through a node of the network between respective local endpoints of the first bearer segment and a second bearer segment hosted by the node. Information representative of the cross-connect mapping is then inserted into the out-of-band signalling message, and the out-of-band signalling message forwarded.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a virtual private communication network to transport customer data between a set of customer devices coupled to a provider network. A committed information rate is advertised to a provider tandem. The provider tandem determines whether sufficient network resources exist to successfully transport to a destination customer device all offered data from the set of customer devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking various goods/services are disclosed. Status information is provided from a plurality of nodes on a supply chain to a database where it is stored in real-time. Suppliers, consumers, and intermediaries can access the information through a display that graphically and intuitively represents each of the plurality of nodes and the status data. By providing an end-to-end view of goods/services, embodiments of the invention allow users to efficiently track and manage various supply, procurement, and business processes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the IMS/SIP architecture of the NGN to provide QoS service to generic bearer flows. More particularly, a method is provided for establishing an bearer end-to-end path of a communication session in a multi-domain communication network in which an out of band signalling protocol is used to establish communications sessions. The method comprises receiving an out-of-band signalling message including information representative of at least an opposite end point of a first bearer segment of the end-to-end path. The information is used to define a cross-connect mapping through a node of the network between respective local endpoints of the first bearer segment and a second bearer segment hosted by the node. Information representative of the cross-connect mapping is then inserted into the out-of-band signalling message, and the out-of-band signalling message forwarded.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the IMS/SIP architecture of the NGN to provide QoS service to generic bearer flows. QoS treatment of a bearer flow destined to a non-SIP client attached to the network via an attachment segment connected to an attachment gateway is supported. A SIP-INVITE message is received in respect of the bearer flow. The SIP-INVITE message contains a Universal Resource Identifier (URI) identifying the non-SIP client as a destination of the bearer flow. An attempt is made to install a QoS policy on the attachment segment in accordance with a Traffic Specification (T-Spec) identified in the SIP-INVITE message, and the result of the installation attempt detected. A appropriate SIP messaging is generated on behalf of the non-SIP client, to either accept or refuse the bearer flow, based on the detected result.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the IMS/SIP architecture of the NGN to provide QoS service to generic bearer flows. Providing QoS treatment, of a bearer flow within a communication session established between two end devices using a different in-band signalling protocol is supported. A Signalling Inter-Working Function (SIWF) is provided in a path of the in-band signalling between the two end devices. The SIWF is operative to: detect at least a signal state of the in-band signalling; and establish a communications session with QoS treatment of bearer flows spanning at least a portion of an end-to-end path between the two end points, based on the detected signal state.

Abstract: A network can be organized for providing virtual private LAN segment (VPLS) services to customers into a network core and an associated number of logical provider edges. Each logical provider edge is partitioned into a plurality of Edge-PEs and a Core-PE. Customers connect to the Edge-PE. The Edge-PE maintains a context (a virtual bridge) for each customer VPLS it serves, VPLS service is realized by a full mesh of so called virtual circuit (VC) tunnels between virtual bridge ports. Each VC tunnel is identified by 3 VC labels in each direction, the first label is used in the encapsulation of customer traffic from the ingress Edge-PE to the ingress Core-PE, the second from ingress Core-PE to egress Core-PE and the third from egress Core-PE to Egress Edge-PE. The mechanisms for the allocation of the label values to and how the label values are used provide a realization of VPLS service that is scalable and easy to administer.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a virtual private communication network to transport customer data between a set of customer devices coupled to a provider network. A committed information rate is advertised to a provider tandem. The provider tandem determines whether sufficient network resources exist to successfully transport to a destination customer device all offered data from the set of customer devices.

Abstract: An Internet Priority Service (IPS) provides to authorized users priority access to communication over the Internet during emergencies. Transmission of data packets from an authorized user that accesses the IPS are given priority for transmission over the Internet. The level of priority given to a data packet depends on the type of application associated with the data packet. Each user or group of users may also be given a respective IPS level of priority. Furthermore, for a particular authorized user, access to the IPS may be limited to a specific number of application types, which for example do not have high bandwidth requirements. Assigning different priority levels as a function of application type and user or group of users, and limiting IPS access to specific application types allows efficient methods of emergency communication to be implemented over the Internet during emergencies.

Abstract: A system for increasing the call capacity of an access point in a WLAN, allowing the number of WLAN phones that can be supported to be increased. The system determines whether a maximum total voice path delay would be exceeded if the packetization delay is increased for packets in a call. In the event that the packetization delay can be increased without the total delay exceeding the maximum delay, the disclosed system increases the size of packets used in the call, if all participating devices can process the increased packet size. The maximum delay may be predetermined, and reflect a maximum delay that cannot be exceeded without adversely impacting the voice quality of a call. If the two end points for a call are determined to be physically “local” to each other, packetization delay for the call may be increased based on the assumption that the increased packetization delay will not decrease the voice quality of the call.

Abstract: A procurement management system automates aspects of procurement management and allows users to send and track procurement and good/service requests. The system receives procurement requests and automatically generates goods/services requests to be provided to suppliers in order to meet the needs of the procurement request. Once suppliers have provided replies to the requests, the system formulates bids or submissions to the procurement requests based on the replies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking various goods/services are disclosed. Status information is provided from a plurality of nodes on a supply chain to a database where it is stored in real-time. Suppliers, consumers, and intermediaries can access the information through a display that graphically and intuitively represents each of the plurality of nodes and the status data. By providing an end-to-end view of goods/services, embodiments of the invention allow users to efficiently track and manage various supply, procurement, and business processes.