Abstract: A method and system for identifying switched virtual channel (SVC) connections and soft permanent virtual circuits (SPVCs) which traverse randomly selected switches in a digital communications network are described. The network includes a network management system (NMS) for provisioning the soft permanent virtual circuits across the network from endpoint to endpoint. Two embodiments are described. In the first, information respecting the cross connect route of the SPVC is provided to and retained by the NMS for subsequent retrieval. In the second, the NMS assigns an identifier or tag to the SPVC at the time the request to establish the circuit is issued. This tag is propagated through the network core switches as the SPVC is established and forms part of the information package stored at each switch. The SPVC tag is supplied to the NMS in response to an inquiry as to identity of the SPVC crossing any randomly selected core switch.

Abstract: A system and method for routing permanent virtual connections (PVCs) and soft permanent virtual connections (SPVCs) through a digital communications network such as an ATM network. The permanent virtual connections are routed via algorithms executed by a central network management entity. The SPVCs are routed via switched virtual circuit algorithms implemented by management entities located at network switching elements.

Abstract: A virtual circuit whose path across a network is specified by a human operator (hereinafter operator directed route or ODR VC) is established by manually provisioning a preferred path for the connection, including a source node, destination node, and intermediate nodes or subnetworks therebetween. The source node creates a call setup message which is signalled along the preferred path, whereby the intermediate nodes along the preferred path establish the bearer channel cross-connects. The operator also specifies a re-muting scheme for the ODR VC in the event the preferred path is blocked or a link subsequently fails. The re-routing scheme includes one of (a) the preferred path only; (b) at least one manually provisioned alternate path; and (c) any available path.