A method for selecting an edge node from a plurality of edge nodes in a fixed access communications network, the method comprising: at a selection node, receiving from a host entity a request for a network service; obtaining, from a database, data comprising information relating to the status and capabilities of each edge node of the plurality of edge nodes and information about network conditions selected from any of: the current network conditions on a path between the host entity and the edge node, a transport capacity on a path between the host entity and the edge node, and topology information identifying a location of each edge node of the plurality of edge nodes, wherein the database is dynamically updated in response to changes in either of: the capabilities and status of each edge node of the plurality of edge nodes changes; and the information about network conditions obtained in response to sending on-demand queries triggered by the request and/or in-advance queries to a plurality of data sources from among an Authorization, Authentication and Accounting server, a DNS server, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server, and a topology database; on the basis of the obtained data, selecting an edge node (102; 103) from the plurality of edge nodes, the selected edge node providing a path between the host entity and the requested network service; and sending a response to the host entity, the response including information identifying the selected edge node. at a selection node, receiving from a host entity a request for a network service; obtaining, from a database, data comprising information relating to the status and capabilities of each edge node of the plurality of edge nodes and information about network conditions selected from any of: the current network conditions on a path between the host entity and the edge node, a transport capacity on a path between the host entity and the edge node, and topology information identifying a location of each edge node of the plurality of edge nodes, wherein the database is dynamically updated in response to changes in either of: the capabilities and status of each edge node of the plurality of edge nodes changes; and the information about network conditions obtained in response to sending on-demand queries triggered by the request and/or in-advance queries to a plurality of data sources from among an Authorization, Authentication and Accounting server, a DNS server, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server, and a topology database; on the basis of the obtained data, selecting an edge node (102; 103) from the plurality of edge nodes, the selected edge node providing a path between the host entity and the requested network service; and sending a response to the host entity, the response including information identifying the selected edge node. the capabilities and status of each edge node of the plurality of edge nodes changes; and the information about network conditions obtained in response to sending on-demand queries triggered by the request and/or in-advance queries to a plurality of data sources from among an Authorization, Authentication and Accounting server, a DNS server, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server, and a topology database; on the basis of the obtained data, selecting an edge node (102; 103) from the plurality of edge nodes, the selected edge node providing a path between the host entity and the requested network service; and sending a response to the host entity, the response including information identifying the selected edge node.