Abstract: Providing probe signals from a node includes receiving at the node an instruction to send the probe signals over channels, where the instruction comprises probe parameter values describing deployment of the probe signals. The node sends the probe signals to a controller through access points. Each access point is associated with one or more channels. The controller is operable to assign an access point to the node in accordance with an analysis of the probe signals.

Abstract: Identifying one or more access points in one or more channels to facilitate communication includes identifying an access point in a channel in a first channel band of a first frequency range to facilitate communication with a network. The first channel band includes a plurality of channels and the first frequency range includes a plurality of channel bands. The identified access point is used to communicate with the network. A scanning sequence is initiated in the first frequency range and a second frequency range to identify one or more access points in one or more channels to facilitate communication. The second frequency range includes a plurality of channel bands.

Abstract: Maintaining session information includes initiating an access point session between a node and an access point of a local area network. A data structure is received from the access point. The data structure is operable to store session parameter values describing the first access point session, and is maintained the data structure at the node. The access point session is terminated. A next access point session between the node and the access point is initiated. The data structure is sent to the access point, and the access point is operable to use one or more of the session parameter values to establish the next access point session.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a call between two endpoints residing on different media gateways in a decomposed voice over packet architecture. Cluster attributes identifying alternate bearer possibilities are exchanged between media gateways as part of capabilities negotiation which occurs during call setup conducted by an external call control element over a core network. The media gateways analyze the cluster attributes to determine whether bearer possibilities exist apart from the core network. If an alternate bearer possibility exists, the alternate is employed and the call is established via the alternate bearer directly between the media gateways, thus bypassing the core network.

Abstract: A system and method for improving reliability of a packet network are described. Data is transmitted on a first virtual circuit in the network. A message signaling a failure in receipt of the data is received on a second virtual circuit in the network. Finally, transmission of data is switched to the second virtual circuit within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling admission of a communication in a network are disclosed. In the network, a virtual circuit having a predetermined bandwidth is provided. A request is received for a communication having a communication bandwidth, and a total utilized bandwidth of the virtual circuit is calculated, including the communication bandwidth. If the total utilized bandwidth is less than the predetermined bandwidth of the virtual circuit, then admission in the network is granted to the communication.