Processing network communication control messages

Abstract

Control messages constructed in accordance with a first communications protocol for use in a communications network each include a first address identifier having a format defined by the first protocol. The control message is processed to derive a second address identifier having a format defined by a second communications protocol. The control message is re-formatted for transmission, in accordance with the second protocol, to a network system associated with the second address identifier.

1 . A method for processing messages in a unified packet network capable of processing and delivering packet messages using first and second destination address formats, said method comprising: 
 transmitting a message into a packet network having a first destination address format encapsulating information sufficient to derive a second address format for the same destination;    if said first address format is determined not to be deliverable in said network, then deriving said second address format from said encapsulated information and re-transmitting said message into said network using said second address format for said destination.    
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein said first address format is in accordance with SIP and said second address format is in accordance with SMTP.  
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein if said first address format is determined not to be deliverable then an error message is also generated and sent to the intended message recipient using said derived second address format.