Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, specification of network service functions (e.g., a firewall or network address translation appliance) to be included in a service function path. Routers in a communication network may publish information regarding reachable network service functions and an API may be exposed that provides the information regarding the reachable network service functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving a domain name server (DNS) query initiated by an endpoint device, determining a current port assignment for the endpoint device, changing an allocation of ports for the endpoint device from the current port assignment based on a predicted port allocation need for a current communication session associated with the domain name server query, and performing a network address translation in accordance with the allocation of ports for the endpoint device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, specification of network service functions (e.g., a firewall or network address translation appliance) to be included in a service function path. Routers in a communication network may publish information regarding reachable network service functions and an API may be exposed that provides the information regarding the reachable network service functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, specification of network service functions (e.g., a firewall or network address translation appliance) to be included in a service function path. Routers in a communication network may publish information regarding reachable network service functions and an API may be exposed that provides the information regarding the reachable network service functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system in which a mapping function specific to a given provider edge may provide value added services. Said provider edge already uses label distribution protocol, resource reservation protocol, or the like.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving a domain name server (DNS) query initiated by an endpoint device, determining a current port assignment for the endpoint device, changing an allocation of ports for the endpoint device from the current port assignment based on a predicted port allocation need for a current communication session associated with the domain name server query, and performing a network address translation in accordance with the allocation of ports for the endpoint device.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a first network interface to connect to a provider router in a core network, a second network to connect to an input/output (I/O) router in a local access network that includes a plurality of different endpoint devices, a routing block to determine a first set of data that is to be passed-through without receiving network address translation, and a processor, wherein the processor is to generate a plurality of virtual carrier grade network address translation (vCG-NAT) instances, wherein the plurality of vCG-NAT instances is to route a second set of data between the provider router and the I/O router, wherein the routing block is to route the second set of data to a correct vCG-NAT instance of the plurality of vCG-NAT instances based on routing information in the routing block.

Abstract: In an integrated Layer 2-layer 3 hybrid VPN network a Layer 3 provider edge device that runs in an EVPN domain and a Layer 3 VPN domain defines an interconnect point between the EVPN domain and the Layer 3 VPN domain. The Layer 3 provider edge device receives an IP prefix for a Layer 3 customer edge device disposed in the Layer 3 VPN domain. The Layer 3 provider edge device receives a MAC address, an IP address and a next hop address for an EVPN customer edge device disposed in the EVPN domain from an EVPN provider edge device disposed in the EVPN domain. The Layer 3 provider edge device leaks the IP prefix to the EVPN domain and transmits state information to the EVPN customer edge device.