Operator Managed Virtual Home Network
OwnerHenrik Basilierinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A virtual network and method for providing an operator-managed home LAN service. The access interface enables definition of the virtual network. Each user device in the home LAN is provided with an IP address within the same IP domain space. The access interface enables communication between user devices and external networks via the virtual network by providing external operator-managed service entities such as a Network Address Translator/Firewall (NAT/FW) and service gateways.
Claims28
1-42. (canceled)
A virtual network for providing external communications for a user home Local Area Network (LAN) having a plurality of connected user devices, said virtual network comprising:
- means for providing an IP address to each of the user devices connected to the LAN, thereby defining the virtual network;
- at least one operator-managed service entity external to the LAN;
- and
- means for interfacing the virtual network with the at least one associated external operator-managed service entity for enabling the user devices and the external network or service to communicate with each other via the defined virtual network.
A method of providing external communications for a user home Local Area Network (LAN) having a plurality of connected user devices, said method comprising the steps of:
- defining a virtual network by providing an IP address to each of the user devices connected to the LAN;
- and
- interfacing the virtual network with at least one associated external operator-managed service entity for enabling the user devices and the external network or service to communicate with each other via the defined virtual network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.