Nortel Networks Corporation

Rockstar Consortium US LP

Paul Kettlewell

Robert Turner

Julian Mitchell

Patrick D Bradd

Leilani Arambepola

Sujata Arambepola

Martyn Hollins

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.

Network management across a NAT or firewall

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.

Apparatus and method for setting up a conference call

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.

Method and system for establishing paths between end points in packet data networks

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Aylesbury, United Kingdom

Paul Kettlewell