Patent ID: 7830869
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: H04B,H04L,H04Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a connection-oriented first communications network having a plurality of first network elements in which connections across the first network elements are established by a network management system, the first network being connectable to a second communications network by an edge network element, the second network having a plurality of second network elements each operative for making connections or routing data across the second network in accordance with a connection request received by the edge network element, the connection request being in accordance with a predetermined protocol, the method being performed to establish a connection across the connection-oriented first network in response to the connection request from the second network, and comprising the steps of: a) upon the edge network element receiving the connection request from the second network, sending to the network management system information relating to the connection request; b) sending signals by the network management system to set the connection in response to said information received from the edge network element; and c) causing the edge network element by the network management system to send a return signal according to the predetermined protocol to the second network indicating a status of a setting of the connection.