Patent ID: 7649837

Claim:
A method, comprising: defining at least one condition for a first gateway support node, so that when the condition is fulfilled, a second gateway support node is more suitable for transmitting packets over a connection, the second gateway support node being an alternative to the first gateway support node so that the packets are transmitted from a subscriber either via the first gateway support node or via the second gateway support node, the condition not relating to a receiver of a packet; detecting, by the first gateway node that the condition is fulfilled; instructing, by the first gateway node, to select the second gateway support node by sending a first message indicating the second gateway support node; receiving in the first gateway support node a second message which indicates that a tunnel for transmitting packets between a subscriber and an external data network is to be established between a serving support node and the first gateway support node, checking said condition, and transmitting the first message to the serving support node if said condition is fulfilled, or establishing a tunnel if said condition is not fulfilled.