Method and apparatus for proxied signalling of an end to end connection across a connection oriented network

Abstract

There is provided a method and apparatus for establishing a connection across a connection oriented network to enable communication between an originating network element and a destination network node. The originating network element is connected to source network node in the connection oriented network by a source communications channel which is addressable in the connection oriented network. The connection oriented network has a signalling infrastructure employing a network signalling protocol for establishing connections within the connection oriented network. A connection establishment request message is generated for requesting the establishment of the connection between the originating network element and the destination network node and includes information identifying the source and destination communications channels. A proxy connection establishment request message is sent from a network controlling element to the connection oriented network over a proxy signalling link provided therebetween. The proxy connection establishment request message is received at the connection oriented network and the channel identifying information is extracted from the proxy connection establishment request message. A network connection establishment request message according to the network signalling protocol is then generated and sent over the signalling infrastructure to establish a path between the source network node and the destination network node. The path is connected to the communications channel identified in the proxy connection establishment request message, thereby establishing the connection between the originating network element and the destination network node.