Patent attributes
A network element for use in a network that provides voice-over-packet services to a plurality of communication devices, each of the communication devices being associated with a respective directory number. The network element comprises an interface connectable to a trunk group dedicated to emergency calls and a control entity. The control entity is operable to: receive an incoming call originated by one of the communication devices; determine the directory number associated with the communication device having originated the incoming call; and determine whether the incoming call is an emergency call. Responsive to the incoming call being an emergency call, the control entity obtains a routing key that had been stored in association with the directory number; and directs the incoming call and the obtained routing key via the interface towards a gateway, the gateway connecting the network element to a dedicated emergency network.
