Abstract: The present invention provides a star-connected network (C1-C4, P1-P8) having a number of peripheral nodes (P1-P8) and a central control arrangement (C1-C4). Each peripheral node has means for restricting communications across the network to the central control arrangement using a respective encrypted connection unless the peripheral node has received explicit authorisation from the control arrangement to set up a direct connection with another peripheral node.

Abstract: A multi-protocol label switching network or domain (1), and method of operating the same. Label switching control paths are established for forwarding control packets between routers (E1-E4, C1-C6) according to control labels assigned to the control packets by a label assignment server (2). Control labels are assigned by assigning a respective unique control label to respective directional pairs of edge routers, each directional pair comprising a combination of an edge router pair and a direction between the edge routers of the pair. Traffic data paths are also established for forwarding traffic data packets between the routers according to traffic data labels assigned to the traffic data packets. The traffic data labels are distinct from the control labels, and the traffic data paths are different from the control paths.