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: Functional definitions and data transmission protocols are provided for both downstream and upstream OAM data flows in an ATM-based point-to-multipoint broadband access network ("BAN"), such as a passive optical network ("PON"). In particular, B-ISDN OAM functions are defined from an "OAM flow" perspective, wherein some of the PON physical layer related functions are performed at the F1 level flow, including all functions relating to the sign-on, ranging, power tuning, synchronization and timing status of the ONUs. F3 flow level functions are defined to include further performance and fault management functions, as well as MAC related functions, concerning mainly upstream and for upstream bandwidth management transactions between the headend facility and the respective ONUs. The F1 and F3 OAM data flows are transported in respective downstream frames and upstream packets in preferred protocols suitable for a point-to-multipoint network configuration.