Abstract: A virtual path concentrator node provides concentration and savings in virtual path connection count in an interworked network. The virtual path concentrator node is coupled between an access node and a gateway node of a first network that interfaces to a second network of an interworked network which interface one another via a network to network interface. A plurality of permanent virtual circuit connections in the first network may be reduced and concentrated into a fewer number of virtual paths out of the virtual path concentrator node. A loopback arrangement ensures, in one embodiment, virtual path identifier (VPI) identification of a frame relay, or in another embodiment, an asynchronous transfer mode network address compatibility within the interworked network.

Abstract: Global address assignment of sites within an interworked network is presented. Each site is assigned a global address that is unique within the interworked network, irrespective of the network protocol of the site. For example, in a Frame Relay (FR)—Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) interworked network, each FR and ATM site may be assigned both an FR Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI), as well as a Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) and/or a Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI), wherein the combination of identifiers assigned is unique for each site, regardless of whether the site is an ATM site or an FR site. Several exemplary assignment processes are presented that are appropriate for various network configurations and that attempt to provide maximally unique global addresses. During the assignment process, which may be partially or fully automated, collisions may be removable manually and/or automatically by identifying them and making a reassignment that avoids the collision.

Abstract: Global address assignment of sites within an interworked network is presented. Each site is assigned a global address that is unique within the interworked network, irrespective of the network protocol of the site. For example, in a Frame Relay (FR)-Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) interworked network, each FR and ATM site may be assigned both an FR Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI), as well as a Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) and/or a Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI), wherein the combination of identifiers assigned is unique for each site, regardless of whether the site is an ATM site or an FR site. Several exemplary assignment processes are presented that are appropriate for various network configurations and that attempt to provide maximally unique global addresses. During the assignment process, which may be partially or fully automated, collisions may be removable manually and/or automatically by identifying them and making a reassignment that avoids the collision.