Access nodes in packet-based communications networks
First Claim
1. A node for representing a plurality of access nodes in a private communications network which is connected to a public communications network via an address translation node, said access nodes being arranged to facilitate a communications service provided from a service provider network which is connected to the public communications network,said node being arranged to be connected in the private communications network such that it is intermediate between the address translation node on the one hand and the access nodes on the other hand and requiring only a single bind in the address translation node;
- said node being arranged to receive in use at least some control signals from the service provider network and to forward those to one or more of the access nodes.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
There is an increasing need for many media gateway nodes to be used in enterprise networks. These media gateway nodes are typically connected behind a network address translator (NAT) which connects the enterprise network to a public communications network. Communication between the access nodes and a service provider network, which is also connected to the public network, is needed to provide communications services to end users. However, as the number of media gateways increases problems arise associated with increased traffic, complexity and use of resources at the NAT and at the service provider network. A solution is presented whereby a node is used to represent the media gateway nodes in the enterprise network.
40 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A node for representing a plurality of access nodes in a private communications network which is connected to a public communications network via an address translation node, said access nodes being arranged to facilitate a communications service provided from a service provider network which is connected to the public communications network,
said node being arranged to be connected in the private communications network such that it is intermediate between the address translation node on the one hand and the access nodes on the other hand and requiring only a single bind in the address translation node; said node being arranged to receive in use at least some control signals from the service provider network and to forward those to one or more of the access nodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A communications network comprising:
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a) a private communications network connected to a public communications network via an address translation node; b) a service provider network connected to the public communications network; c) a plurality of access nodes in the private communications network; d) a node for representing the access nodes, said node being connected in the private communications network such that it is intermediate between the address translation node on the one hand and the access nodes on the other hand and requiring only a single bind in the address translation node;
said node being arranged to receive in use at least some control signals from the service provider network and to forward those to one or more of the access nodes.
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15. A method of representing a plurality of access nodes in a private communications network which is connected to a public communications network via an address translation node, said access nodes being arranged to facilitate a communications service provided from a service provider network which is connected to the public communications network, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) connecting a node in the private communications network such that it is intermediate between the address translation node on the one hand and the access nodes on the other hand and providing said node with only a single bind in the address translation node; b) receiving control signals at the node from the service provider network and forwarding those to one or more of the access nodes. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification