Nortel Networks Corporation

Robert Turner

Paul Kettlewell

Julian Mitchell

Patrick D Bradd

Leilani Arambepola

Martyn Hollins

Neil Watts

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

In a packet based (typically IP) network, network address translation is frequently used to overcome the problem of dwindling address spaces. However, network address translation prevents the operation of many of the complex protocols used for transmission of media streams for example, data such as voice over IP or video over IP. Accordingly, media proxy devices are used to allow such data to traverse NAT boundaries. However, media proxy devices are expensive and therefore scarce and the selection of an optimum media proxy is important to obtain optimum functionality and cost effectiveness within the network. By providing a call agent in the network with a simple model of the network and providing information concerning optimum media proxies for different parts of the network, the problem of selecting an optimum media proxy during path set up is overcome.

Methods and apparatus for selecting a media proxy

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.

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Wokingham, United Kingdom

Robert Turner