Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic bandwidth management for voice traffic in a digital communications network is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for use in a digital communications network comprises checking a multiplexed connection's bandwidth capacity to carry a call over a link; and overflowing the call onto a non-multiplexed connection, when the multiplexing connection's bandwidth is insufficient to carry the call.

Abstract: Multiple connections between switches that share the same Quality of Service (QoS) requirements are multiplexed onto a single virtual connection or switched path. The switched path may be established using a known standard or proprietary protocol, or even without knowledge of the underlying protocol. Provisioning and management software provided on the switches create originating and destination end points. When the network operator provisions an end point, a switched path call setup request is made to a networking interface which establishes a connection using a selected routing system through the network having the provisioned characteristics, such as bandwidth and QoS, of the switched path.