Abstract: MPLS labels can be used to tunnel data packets through IP networks. At a start point such as a router or network terminator, the IP destination address is examined and one or more labels are generated which relate to the topology of the network. The labels can include QoS information. The packet is then sent to the destination via a label switched path. At the destination the packet may be sent on via a further label switched path by examining the IP address from the received label and generating one or more fresh labels for the passage of the packet through the further label switched path.

Abstract: Records written to each of a number of logs, such as logs in a distributed processing system, are monitored. An index to records in the logs is generated according to the monitoring of the records. The writing of records to each of the logs is performed by a corresponding task, and the monitoring and generating are performed by one or more tasks that are separate from the tasks performing the writing of the records. When log records are removed, updating of the index can be deferred or performed according to a schedule such that the index does not reflect the removal of the log records.

Abstract: In order to enable an access network to use private IP addresses, and so reduce public IP address overheads, data packets are tunnelled through the access network using one of a number of methods including, using layer 2 transmission protocol between a LAC and a LNS and using label switch paths based on MPLS labels.

Abstract: MPLS labels can be used to tunnel data packets through IP networks. At a start point such as a router or network terminator, the IP destination address is examined and one or more labels generated which relate to the topology of the network. The labels can include QoS information. The packet is then sent to the destination via a label switched path. At the destination the packet may be sent on via a further label switched path by examining the IP address from the received label and generating on or more fresh labels for the passage of the packet though the further label switched path.

Abstract: A call agent, which acts as a proxy terminal is included in a network termination between a user network an access network. The proxy terminal communicates with a gatekeeper VoIP server in a managed IP network. The proxy terminal is first registered with the VoIP server to which it appears as a terminal device. The individual terminal devices are then registered with the call agent. This may include POTS phones if a gateway is included between the POTS phone and the call agent. This arrangement means that all devices in a users home can have a single public IP address and that each can answer VoIP calls and each device can make VoIP calls. The proxy terminal also provides bandwidth management, rejecting or renegotiating calls if there is insufficient bandwidth to handle them.