Abstract: A method of determining the optimum route from a source to a destination node in an ATM network utilizing fuzzy logic processing to determine the optimum route based on a set metrics that may or may not be related to each other. The invention utilizes well known fuzzy logic techniques to perform optimization and calculations based on intuitive rules rather then complex mathematical solutions. The method of the invention can be applied to routing algorithms to determine the optimum route when it is desired to optimize the route based on a large number of metrics, attributes and/or parameters. The fuzzy logic processing is divided into two phases each having its own set of rules that the input data is applied against. Fuzzy logic processing is performed for all candidate routes wherein the route chosen is the one having a maximum link quality.

Abstract: A method of measuring the round trip time (RTT) of a virtual circuit (VC) utilizing the Traffic Management mechanism of ATM and adapting the CRM (also known as XRM) Traffic Management descriptor parameter accordingly. The CRM parameter is setup adaptively and individually for a particular VC in real time while traffic is flowing so as to achieve better performance of the network. The invention comprises CRM calculation means, a database for storage of RM cell related information, including but not limited to, RM cell assigned sequence numbers, transmission times, reception times, etc., means for filtering the transmission and reception times. The CRM calculator functions to track the transmission and reception of RM cells from the source end station using a unique sequence number assigned to each RM cell. Filters can optionally be used to smooth the data recorded that is derived from RM cell transmission events, e.g., calculated round trip time (RTT).

Abstract: A method of measuring the Round Trip Time (RTT) if a Virtual Circuit (VC) utilizing the Traffic Management mechanism of ATM. The RTT is measured in real time individually for each new opened VC and/or for existing VC routes in the network. In addition, the RTT measurement method of the present invention can be used to determine the CRM parameter for a VC on an end to end basis, e.g., user to user or LEC to LEC, so as to achieve better performance of the network. The invention comprises a first embodiment that utilizes the SN field of a RM cell in measuring the RTT and a second embodiment that does not utilize the SN field in measuring the RTT. In addition, an application of the method is presented in determining the CRM parameter within the TM descriptor.