Abstract: An overlay model to let multiple VPNs share the same physical switches while maintaining their individual resource and administrative boundaries. A clean resource and protocol management structure within the ATM switches is provided for the overlay model. An architectural framework for such resource and protocol management within multiprocessor ATM switches is provided. Multiple protocols are supported both at the switch level and at the port level. A VPN on a switch can be configured with any of the existing control protocols available on that switch. This protocol management mechanism is then extended for providing intra-VPN multiprotocol support where a single VPN is allowed to use multiple control protocols on the same switch port. A mechanism for Network Management System (NMS) coordinated VPN creation and configuration is provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to message sets for use in a flexible programmable multiplexer for accessing an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network. The access multiplexer uses a functional separation of line related functions and protocol related functions. Line interface cards perform line related functions. A message set for use in such a multiplexing system that uses a functional separation of line and protocol related functions is provided. The message set includes a general message, a hello message, a configuration message, a line stabilized message, an identify remote message, an identify remote acknowledgement message, a reset remote message, a report statistics message, a report statistics acknowledgement message, a loopback test message and a dynamic rate adaptation message. A flexible programmable multiplexer that uses the message set is also provided.