Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining diagnostic test results in respect of network elements in a network, the test results being obtained from a population of probes associated with network elements. The method comprises receiving a first-stage set of probe reports comprising, in respect of probes in an initial subset, a test result and metadata, each test result indicating a state of the network element associated with the probe; identifying a specific subset of probes in the initial subset wherein the test results from the probes in the specific subset satisfy a predefined condition; determining a subsequent subset based on the metadata of the probes in the specific subset; and triggering the probes in the subsequent subset to provide a second-stage set of probe reports comprising test results indicating states of network elements associated with probes in the subsequent subset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling packets in a data packet network, the method comprising the steps of: a source node sending a first set of packets to a receiver node over the data packet network via an intermediate node, wherein the first set of packets are marked as being of a class of service preventing them from being forwarded to the receiver node if a packet queue exists at an intermediate node; the source node receiving an acknowledgement of a received packet of the first set of packets from the receiver node; and the source node sending a second set of packets to the receiver node over the data packet network.

Abstract: The invention includes a network node, and a method of controlling the network node in a data packet network, wherein the method comprising the steps of: receiving a first data packet from a first external network node; analysing the first data packet to determine if it is of a class of service deemed to be queuable or unqueuable; and, if it is queuable, sending the first data packet to a second external node via an intermediate node, wherein the first data packet is reclassified to be of the unqueuable class of service such that the intermediate node should not forward the first data packet to the second external network node if a packet queue exists at the intermediate node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing network performance of a network comprising a plurality of network nodes. The method may comprise: obtaining a plurality of probe measurements in respect of a target node, the probe measurements resulting from probe test-messages being sent via different network paths to said target node and relating to a network performance characteristic in respect of the paths taken by the respective probe test-messages and probe response-messages associated therewith and being dependent also on local processing of the respective probe test-messages at said target node; determining respective measures of unexpectedness in respect of the probe measurements; comparing said respective measures of unexpectedness and in dependence on the comparison, assigning a weighting in respect of said target node; and determining a network performance analysis measure in dependence on at least one probe measurement and on the weighting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing network performance of a network comprising network nodes. The method may comprise: obtaining probe measurements by sending probe test-messages via a path from a testing node to a first target node, and also by sending probe test-messages via a path from the testing node via the first target node to a subsequent target node, the probe measurements relating to a network performance characteristic in respect of the paths taken by the probe test-messages and probe response-messages associated therewith and being dependent also on local processing of the probe test-messages at the respective target nodes; comparing the probe measurements; in dependence on the comparison, assigning a weighting in respect of the first target node indicative of whether it is deemed likely to be providing reliable or unreliable results; and determining a network performance analysis measure dependent on the probe measurements and on the weighting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing performance of a network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing network performance in relation to a network portion comprising a group of nodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telecommunications system, in particular to a telecommunications system which includes a mobile network having a plurality of portable communication devices, and, a fixed network which includes a signaling agent, a plurality of directory agents, and a plurality of spaced apart attachment points to which the mobile network can attach. In use, each directory agent stores a routing table for routing data to a respective mobile communication device associated with that directory agent. When the point of attachment of the mobile network changes, the mobile network sends a change-of-address message to the signaling agent. In response, the signaling agent is configured to forward the change of address to each directory agent, so that each can update its routing table to take into account the changed point of attachment of the mobile network.

Abstract: A method of routing packets in a packet network is disclosed. The packet network includes a chain of packet nodes, the chain comprising a first and second access node for communicating with one or more mobile nodes and one or more intermediate packet nodes providing a path interconnecting the first and second access nodes. Previous methods are inefficient and lead to additional overhead.