ACCESS NETWORK BLOCKING DIRECT TRAFFIC BETWEEN USERS

摘要

An access network comprises an access node (20), such as an Internet Protocol Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer, which connects to a plurality of users 30 of the access network. The access node (20) also connects to at least one gateway node (10). The access node (20) is arranged to obtain a MAC address of the gateway node (10). The access node (20) is arranged to inspect at least one MAC address of traffic received at the access node (20). The access node (20) is arranged to make a forwarding decision on the basis of the inspected at least one MAC address. Traffic in a downstream direction is forwarded if an inspected source MAC address is the MAC address of the gateway node (10) and traffic in an upstream direction is forwarded if an inspected destination MAC address is the MAC address of the gateway node (10). Direct traffic between the plurality of users (30) is not forwarded.