In an access node , a method of providing survivable communications in a communications network , the method comprising: determining a loss of communications between a first access node and a communications server , wherein the communications server provides call connectivity to a first endpoint coupled to the first access node using a first network access technology; after determining the loss of communications with the communications server , establishing a connection between the first access node and a second access node that provides communication services to a second endpoint , characterized in that : the second access node is coupled to the second endpoint using a second network access technology different from the first network access technology; wherein communication service is provided between the first endpoint and the second endpoint via the first access node using the first network access technology and via the second access node using the second network access technology; wherein the first access node and the second access node communicate using a normalized protocol common to both the first and second access nodes ; and wherein the first access node converts call data and control information from the first endpoint to packets that are communicated using the normalized protocol. determining a loss of communications between a first access node and a communications server , wherein the communications server provides call connectivity to a first endpoint coupled to the first access node using a first network access technology; after determining the loss of communications with the communications server , establishing a connection between the first access node and a second access node that provides communication services to a second endpoint , characterized in that : the second access node is coupled to the second endpoint using a second network access technology different from the first network access technology; wherein communication service is provided between the first endpoint and the second endpoint via the first access node using the first network access technology and via the second access node using the second network access technology; wherein the first access node and the second access node communicate using a normalized protocol common to both the first and second access nodes ; and wherein the first access node converts call data and control information from the first endpoint to packets that are communicated using the normalized protocol. the second access node is coupled to the second endpoint using a second network access technology different from the first network access technology; wherein communication service is provided between the first endpoint and the second endpoint via the first access node using the first network access technology and via the second access node using the second network access technology; wherein the first access node and the second access node communicate using a normalized protocol common to both the first and second access nodes ; and wherein the first access node converts call data and control information from the first endpoint to packets that are communicated using the normalized protocol. <EOS>