Patent attributes
A system operable among compatible public networks, such as ATM networks, recognizes signals having external service addresses entering a controlled compatible public network. External service addresses are checked against a look-up of internal routing addresses that are generally only recognized and/or advertised within the controlled compatible public network, and that represent egress terminating interfaces. The external service address is replaced with the internal routing address, although the external service address is retained and transported. Routing to the egress terminating interface in the controlled compatible network is performed on the internal routing address only, without reference to the external service address. At the egress terminating interface, the internal routing address is discarded, and the external service address restored, as the signals are forwarded to the next entity, which is usually a connected compatible network or end system. The signals having external service addresses traverse the entire controlled compatible network without any internal system requiring external service address handling capability.
