Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of, computer software for and apparatus for enabling network management in a network arrangement in which a first network is separated from a second network by a network address translator or firewall. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention enables, in a carrier hosted solution, a) operational information relating to a device or equipment in a customer network and for use in a network management system of a carrier network and b) control information to be provided to the device or equipment by the network management system to traverse the network address translator or firewall separating the carrier and customer networks. The traversal of the network address translator or firewall is achieved by inserting the operational or control information in keep alive signalling used maintain the NAT bind or firewall pinhole.

Abstract: A method of provisioning a conference call in order to preserve bandwidth on a network, and thereby allowing a larger number of participants to actively take part in a conference call. The method includes providing all participants in a conference call with a simplex connection to the conference call so that they can hear what is being said. It further comprises allocating further bandwidth so at least one participant can address the conference at any one time.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining the degree of network address translation (NAT) traversing required to dynamically establish a bearer path within or out of a Service Provider hosted Enterprise VoIP VPN. Each media end point in the Enterprise IP VPN has associated with it a chain of the identities of a hierarchy of NAT functions behind which it resides with respect to an SP public IP network over which the Enterprise VoIP is hosted. By comparing the respective NAT function identity chains for an originating end point and a destination end point, a call agent can determine what, if any, NAT functions need to be traversed in the bearer path between the end points.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to prevent nuisance calls to a user from calling parties, especially when the number of the calling party is withheld. A database is compiled of calling parties who the user does not wish to receive communications from and calls from those parties are blocked. The identity of the calling party is added to the database after the user receives a call from the party and decides at the time of the call that they do not wish to receive any further communication from that party. They invoke a method which extracts the identity of the calling party from the call signalling messages and adds it to the database. In this way further communications from the party will be denied.

Abstract: A method of provisioning a conference call in order to preserve bandwidth on a network, and thereby allowing a larger number of participants to actively take part in a conference call. The method includes providing all participants in a conference call with a simplex connection to the conference call so that they can hear what is being said. It further comprises allocating further bandwidth so at least one participant can address the conference at any one time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of, computer software for and apparatus for enabling network management in a network arrangement in which a first network is separated from a second network by a network address translator or firewall. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention enables, in a carrier hosted solution, a) operational information relating to a device or equipment in a customer network and for use in a network management system of a carrier network and b) control information to be provided to the device or equipment by the network management system to traverse the network address translator or firewall separating the carrier and customer networks.