Abstract: Method for maintaining virtual connections given an at least partial outage of connecting paths. Given the occurrence of a connection disturbance, a virtual connection initially set up within a first packet switching network (PVN1) is cleared down proceeding from the disturbed location up to the originating and destination switching equipment (Verm1, Verm2). Upon employment of a specifically generated call request, a new virtual connection proceeding from the originating switching center (Verm1) is then set up between the originating and destination switching equipment of the first packet switching network (PVN1) via an alternate route upon involvement of a second packet switching network (PVN2).

Abstract: Method for setting up virtual connections in packet switching networks. In response to a call request with which the set up a virtual connection is requested and that is supplied to an originating switching center (for example, Verm1) of a first packet switching network (PVN1), the appertaining call request is modified when a suitable transmission path within the first packet switching network is not present. The modified call request is then transmitted via a network interface location (UE1) to a second packet switching network (PVN2) in order to set up an alternate route upon involvement of a further network interface location (UE2), to the destination switching equipment (Verm1) of the first packet switching network (PVN1) that participates in the virtual connection that was just requested.