Abstract: The present invention is applicable to access networks across which virtual connections have been provisioned to meet traffic and QoS requirements. The present invention improves service integrity by controlling the right for a service instance to use the network resources that have been provisioned for its class of service. Whenever a subscriber requests a service that requires a pre-determined bandwidth with a pre-determined QoS, one checks whether the virtual connection over which the service will be delivered to the subscriber can convey the required bandwidth with the required QoS. According to the check outcome, the service is granted or denied to the subscriber. The present invention may further improve the usage of the network resources. This second object is achieved by adapting the configuration of the access network according to the real traffic demand.

Abstract: Methods for transmitting data according to point-to-point protocols from first devices (1) to second devices (2) via logical links (3) transmit (52) requests comprising specifications for specifying said data from second devices (2) to first devices (1) and transmit (55) responses comprising said data from first devices (1) to second devices (2) in response to receptions of requests. To allow these methods also to be used in “bonding” environments wherein logical links (3) comprise several physical links (31, 32), the methods insert (54), at first devices (1), per physical link (31, 32) one or more containers comprising information about the physical link (31, 32) into responses, and detect (56), at second devices (2), the one or more containers. Requests may comprise descriptors for defining parameters of physical links (31, 32). First containers identify the physical links (31, 32) and second containers specify parameters of the physical links (31, 32).

Abstract: A method for allocating a bandwidth between a plurality of network terminals (NTx) coupled, via a common link (L), to a main network station (LT) in a communication network. A medium access controller (MC) forwards permits to the network terminals, each permit containing a terminal identifier and allowing a predetermined share of bandwidth. It comprises two sets of counters, each set including one counter (Gx or Fx) for each terminal. The bandwidth is split into a guarantee bandwidth that is shared by operating the first set of counters and an excess bandwidth that is shared by operating the second set of counters. The guaranteed bandwidth is allocated according to fixed weights, and the excess bandwidth is also allocated according to weights. The weights for the excess bandwidth are either fixed or varying according to the load status of the terminals.

Abstract: A method for allocating a bandwidth between a plurality of network terminals (NTx) coupled, via a common link (L), to a main network station (LT) in a communication network.

Abstract: The method is used in a switching network over which data packets are transferred and which includes a plurality of switching nodes with switching node terminations (SNT) and associates in each one of the switching node terminations (SNT) internal header information (IHI) included in an internal data packet received by the switching node termination and identifying an internal connection within the switching node and ending in the switching node termination, to external header information (EHI) included in an external data packet and identifying an outgoing external connection external to the switching node and originating from the switching node termination. The internal header information (IHI) includes a connection reference number (CRN) and a transfer type is associated to the internal connection. The method comprises three steps:a. determining the transfer type;b.