Abstract: A method of allowing a nomadic terminal to access a home network on the Layer 2 level. The method comprises connecting said terminal to a remote access network via an access point, the remote access network being connected to an operator's backbone network via a remote access router. Signalling is exchanged between the access point and an authentication server within the backbone network in order to authenticate the terminal to the authentication server and, following successful authentication, a Layer 2 tunnel extending across the backbone network is established for the purpose of connecting said nomadic terminal to the home network.

Abstract: A method for setting up a VPN is described. The VPN is set up in a backbone network having a plurality of PE routers for controlling the transfer of IP traffic to and from CE routers in satellite networks. In a PE router, a VRF is configured for the VPN and populated with local routes for the VPN. A VRF IP loopback address is assigned for the VRF, and a PE IP loopback address is assigned for the ingress PE router. A local route with the VRF and PE IP loopback addresses is then advertised to other PE routers in the backbone network.

Abstract: A method is provided of enabling access for a terminal (12-1) to a remote network (60) via a mobile network (40). A first connectivity service function (30) is provided as part of the mobile network (40). A second connectivity service function (20) is provided as part of the remote network (60). A third connectivity service function (10) is provided associated with the terminal (12-1). The first connectivity service function (30) is adapted to cooperate in establishing a first layer 2 tunnel (25) between itself (30) and the second connectivity service function (20). The first connectivity service function (30) is also adapted to cooperate in establishing a second layer 2 tunnel (15) between itself (30) and the third connectivity service function (10). The terminal (12-1) thereby has layer 2 access into the remote network (60) through the first and second tunnels (25, 15) using the first, second and third connectivity service functions (30, 20, 10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting an edge node from a plurality of edge nodes in a fixed access communications network. A selection node receives from a host entity a request for a network service. The selection node then obtains, from at least one further network node, data relating to a plurality of edge nodes. On the basis of the retrieved data, the selection node selects an edge node from the plurality of edge nodes, wherein the selected edge node provides a path between the host entity and the requested network service. The selection node then sends a response to the host entity, the response including information identifying the selected edge node.

Abstract: A method for setting up a VPN is described. The VPN is set up in a backbone network having a plurality of PE routers for controlling the transfer of IP traffic to and from CE routers in satellite networks. In a PE router, a VRF is configured for the VPN and populated with local routes for the VPN. A VLAN identifier is assigned for the VPN, and advertised to other PE routers in the backbone network. Alternatively, the VLAN identifier may be determined by a predetermined mapping algorithm so it will be unique to the VPN in all PE routers, in which case the advertisement to other PE routers may contain an implicit NULL label.

Abstract: A method is provided of enabling access for a terminal (12-1) to a remote network (60) via a mobile network (40). A first connectivity service function (30) is provided as part of the mobile network (40). A second connectivity service function (20) is provided as part of the remote network (60). A third connectivity service function (10) is provided associated with the terminal (12-1). The first connectivity service function (30) is adapted to cooperate in establishing a first layer 2 tunnel (25) between itself (30) and the second connectivity service function (20). The first connectivity service function (30) is also adapted to cooperate in establishing a second layer 2 tunnel (15) between itself (30) and the third connectivity service function (10). The terminal (12-1) thereby has layer 2 access into the remote network (60) through the first and second tunnels (25, 15) using the first, second and third connectivity service functions (30, 20, 10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting an edge node from a plurality of edge nodes in a fixed access communications network. A selection node receives from a host entity a request for a network service. The selection node then obtains, from at least one further network node, data relating to a plurality of edge nodes. On thebasis of the retrieved data, the selection node selects an edge node from the plurality of edge nodes, wherein the selected edge node provides a path between the host entity and the requested network service. The selection node then sends a response to the host entity, the response including information identifying the selected edge node.

Abstract: A method of allowing a nomadic terminal to access a home network on the Layer 2 level. The method comprises connecting said terminal to a remote access network via an access point, the remote access network being connected to an operator's backbone network via a remote access router. Signalling is exchanged between the access point and an authentication server within the backbone network in order to authenticate the terminal to the authentication server and, following successful authentication, a Layer 2 tunnel extending across the backbone network is established for the purpose of connecting said nomadic terminal to the home network.

Abstract: A method for setting up a VPN is described. The VPN is set up in a backbone network having a plurality of PE routers for controlling the transfer of IP traffic to and from CE routers in satellite networks. In a PE router, a VRF is configured for the VPN and populated with local routes for the VPN. A VRF IP loopback address is assigned for the VRF, and a PE IP loopback address is assigned for the ingress PE router. A local route with the VRF and PE IP loopback addresses is then advertised to other PE routers in the backbone network.

Abstract: A technique for address resolution in data transmission networks, for example ARP-based address resolution in IPv4 networks. An embodiment of the technique comprises the following steps performed in a host of the data transmission network: Maintaining an association of at least one physical address with at least one network address range comprising multiple network addresses; obtaining a target network address; comparing the target network address with the network address range to determine an associated target physical address; and providing the determined target physical address, e.g. for initiating a data transmission.