Modular implementation of a protocol in a network device

[0016]The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers may be used in different drawings to identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

[0017]A router at a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) includes a number of removable cards. The cards may include, in addition to media cards that physically connect to an external network, separate cards for handling call setup / control functions and packet forwarding functions under GTP. The cards are interchangeable and can be added and removed as needed.

Exemplary Network

[0018]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network 100 consistent with principles of the invention. Network 100 includes end-users 101A and 101B that communicate wirelessly with base stations 102A and 102B (collectively referred to as end-users 101 and base s