Importance

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method, devices and system for transit of information over packet switched networks, in particular for transit of an end-to-end connection over a plurality of such networks (1', 1, 1'') using a transit method that is independent on the network technology used in the different networks. An end-to-end service node (21) selects the networks and links an end-to-end connection shall traverse. To each network an incoming transit node (2) and an outgoing transit node (3) are connected. Between these a leg of the end-to-end connection is transited. The outgoing transit node has a list (37) of transit tags used for identification of a packet flow related to the connection. A transit tag is selected from the list and is signalled to the incoming transit node together with the local address of the outgoing transit node. At the incoming transit node incoming packets are analyzed with regard to the presence of a local identifier (e.g. called a link tag). In the incoming transit node packets with the local identifier are subjected to a special treatment. Its payload is put in the payload of a new packet that is formatted according to the network technology used in the network, and as destination of the new packet is the address of the outgoing transit node used. The new packet is marked with the transit tag. Finally the new packet is injected into the network and is routed therein according to that network's routing mechanisms. When the new packet arrives at the outgoing transit node its transit tag is used as incoming identifier.

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First Claim