Abstract: AAL2 (ATM Adaptation Layer 2) paths are dynamically established and/or released in an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) network/system. For purposes of example, during network operation a determination(s) may be made as to whether AAL2 mux (i.e., multiplexor(s) and/or demultiplexor(s)) resources are lacking and/or excessive relating to a particular AAL2 signaling relation(s). When AAL2 mux resources are determined as lacking for the AAL2 signaling relation, then at least one AAL2 mux is added to the relation. However, when AAL2 mux resources are determined as excessive for the AAL2 signaling relation, then at least one AAL2 mux is removed or dropped from the relation. AAL2 paths may be selectively and dynamically added and/or dropped from an AAL2 signaling relation in response to the above determinations. In such a manner, ATM resources can be preserved and not wasted thereby resulting in a more efficient ATM AAL2 system/network.

Abstract: In a node of a data communications network, connection handling functionality is distributed among plural processors of a processor cluster. Infrastructure data for the connection handling functionality is distributed among the plural processors of the processor cluster; resource handling data is partitioned among the plural processors of the processor cluster; and connection data is created on a selected processor of the processor cluster when an on demand connection is established at the selected processor. For network-wide connections, a predistributor of the node routes signaling messages incoming to the node to an appropriate processor of the processor cluster.