Abstract: A loop protection mechanism including dynamically determining a link connecting two adjacent nodes of a loop in a communication network in accordance with a predefined criterion, and reconfiguring the loop so that the loop is broken at the determined link which is an optimal link in terms of the predefined criterion. The breaking of the loop enables for example to utilize loop-free technologies (e.g. Ethernet) in a physical loop architecture.

Abstract: A loop protection mechanism including dynamically determining a link connecting two adjacent nodes of a loop in a communication network in accordance with a predefined criterion, and reconfiguring the loop so that the loop is broken at the determined link which is an optimal link in terms of the predefined criterion. The breaking of the loop enables for example to utilize loop-free technologies (e.g. Ethernet) in a physical loop architecture.

Abstract: A network device for enabling handoff of a mobile device from a first point of attachment to a second point of attachment. The network device includes a component for implementing a protocol wherein incoming packets are forwarded based on predefined label switched paths. When a mobile station moves from a first point of attachment to a second point of attachment, the mobile station issues a handoff request message to an attached serving support node which relays the message to an associated gateway support node. Each intermediate node receiving the request message takes action so that incoming packets destined for the mobile station are rerouted on a predefined handoff label switched path.

Abstract: The invention proposes a network element comprising a first network block (1) and a second network block (2) connected via a link (3) providing a certain data rate, wherein the first network block comprises at least one data source (11-1 to 11-n) and at least one data rate limiting means (12-1 to 12-n) associated to the data source, the second network block comprises at least one data processing means (22-1 to 22-n) associated to the data source, and a data flow information obtaining means (23-1 to 23-n) for obtaining data flow information regarding the data rate of the data processed by the data processing means, wherein the data rate limiting means of the first network block is adapted to vary the data rate of data sent from the data source depending on the data flow information. The invention also proposes a corresponding method.

Abstract: The invention proposes a rate shaping device, comprising a packet timing determining means (131) for determining departure times of packets to be sent, and a packet sending means (132) for sending the packets according to the determined departure times, wherein the packet timing determining means is adapted to determine the departure times by taking into account a desired data rate and a priority of the packets. The invention also proposes a corresponding method and a network system in which in a second network element the packets are fragmented according to the priority.

Abstract: The invention proposes a network node comprising modules (1, 2, 3, 4, 6; 7) including transport functions in order to support a particular network transport protocol, wherein the transport functions are realized by software. The invention also proposes a method for operating the network node. Different network transport protocols are supported with the same hardware by installing corresponding software.