Abstract: A virtual private branch exchange (PBX) system that routes calls within a packet-switching network. Login information is received from a data device. The login information includes an alias identifying a user at the data device and a network address identifying the location of the data device on the packet-switching network. The virtual private branch exchange system associates the user's private branch exchange extension with the network address and routes calls to the user's (PBX) extension to the data device on the basis of the network address of the data device.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying switched virtual channel (SVC) connections and soft permanent virtual circuits (SPVCs) which traverse randomly selected switches in a digital communications network are described. The network includes a network management system (NMS) for provisioning the soft permanent virtual circuits across the network from endpoint to endpoint. Two embodiments are described. In the first, information respecting the cross connect route of the SPVC is provided to and retained by the NMS for subsequent retrieval. In the second, the NMS assigns an identifier or tag to the SPVC at the time the request to establish the circuit is issued. This tag is propagated through the network core switches as the SPVC is established and forms part of the information package stored at each switch. The SPVC tag is supplied to the NMS in response to an inquiry as to identity of the SPVC crossing any randomly selected core switch.

Abstract: A system and method for routing permanent virtual connections (PVCs) and soft permanent virtual connections (SPVCs) through a digital communications network such as an ATM network. The permanent virtual connections are routed via algorithms executed by a central network management entity. The SPVCs are routed via switched virtual circuit algorithms implemented by management entities located at network switching elements.

Abstract: There is provided a compact ATM switch. Each of the bit values of at least one of counters for counting the number of ATM cells in a cell buffer is set to be “H” when the at least one of counters is preset.

Abstract: A communication system determines a cell substitution method based on information for a call to improve call quality. The communication system receives information for the call. The communication system then determines the cell substitution method based on the information. The communication system generates an instruction to use the cell substitution method for the call. The communication system advantageously uses an optimal cell substitution method for each different type of call. The communication system uses the optimal cell substitution method when a cell is lost or misinserted.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting cell loss in telecommunication devices, such as ATM switches, attach cell loss detection information to cells in cell streams passing through the telecommunications devices. The cell loss detection information can trigger counters at up stream and down stream locations thereby avoiding the problem of synchronizing counters and ensuring that all cells to be counted have been flushed through the telecommunications device. The cell loss detection information can include a sequence number in a sequence of n sequence numbers where n is not a power of 2. Preferably n=2P−1, where P is an integer. Such series of sequence numbers allow the detection of lost cells in bursts consisting of a number of lost cells which is a power of 2. The methods and apparatus of the invention permit detection of unintentionally dropped cells in a call without the need to tear down the call.

Abstract: A computer communications network comprises a plurality of interconnected ATM switches forming a WAN or LAN area network over which ATM cells are transmitted, and a plurality of user devices including LAN interface adapters for connection to one or more to local area networks (LANs). An interface device connects at least some of the respective ATM switches to the LAN interface adapters. The interface adapts the ATM cells for transport over the LANS. The user devices can thus communicate through the LAN interface adapters transparently with the wide area network.

Abstract: In a synchronous communications network such as SDH or SONET, traffic signals can be tagged to indicate that a fault condition has already been identified and reported. On examination of the alarm tag at subsequent stages, an alarm is suppressed if the tag indicates that the fault has already been reported.

Abstract: The invention comprises of a telecommunications signaling processor that processes signaling system #7 telecommunications signaling messages to select asynchronous transfer mode virtual connections and to provide control messages indicating the selected virtual connections. The telecommunications signaling processor also processes non-call associated signaling messages for call maintenance.

Abstract: A system for controlling multicast traffic in a multiprocessing system is disclosed. The multiprocessing system includes a general-purpose processor, a plurality of network processors and a switch fabric. The system comprises a multicast identifier (MID) manager to manage a distributed database of MIDs. The distributed database includes at least one compound MID. The at least one compound MID structure further comprises a plurality of MIDs representing at least two multicast groups. The system also includes a MID processor which traverses the at least one compound MID and resolves it into its associated simple MIDs. Accordingly, the present invention provides for a system and method for efficiently controlling multicast transmissions when different types of multicast groups are to receive the multicast transmissions. In this system and method a new type of multicast identifier (MID) is provided, a compound MID. The compound MID is a single MID but references multiple MIDs.

Abstract: An apparatus that supports a communication link (such as DSL) in the local loop has hardware to distribute a copy of one or more data flows to any of a number of devices (e.g. “set-top boxes”) that are each connected to the apparatus by the link. In some embodiments, the apparatus receives only one copy of a number of video feeds for distribution from a video head end that is coupled thereto e.g. via an ATM network. In such embodiments, the apparatus selectively transfers a copy of one of the video feeds being received, to each set-top box. Distribution of data flows in the apparatus can be implemented by a point to multipoint virtual circuit, although a change in a video feed being supplied to a subscriber requires tearing down the subscriber's old virtual circuit leaf and setting up a new virtual circuit leaf to the subscriber. The time delay and overhead associated with such virtual circuit changes are eliminated in certain embodiments by changing only an internal mapping.

Abstract: A network managing method which divides a network to be managed into a plurality of virtual closed area networks, and defines management information on the virtual closed area networks separately in a plurality of logical hierarchies. A virtual LAN/network space defines a connection state among closed area networks, a closed area space defines attribute information on nodes within a closed area network, and a virtual service defines logical arrangement information on nodes in the overall network. The management information is distributively stored in each node and utilized for MAC control. When the configuration of the network is changed due to movements of nodes, an administrator inputs the contents of the change from the manager of each layer, so that the manager communicates with a node containing corresponding management information to instruct the node to update management information.

Abstract: A networking system including virtually addressed devices is described. A network device has one or more virtual addresses assigned to its loopback interface. Once so assigned and the loopback interface enabled, data and commands directed to any of the assigned virtual addresses is sent through the device's protocol stack. The device is then structured to act on the data and commands destined for the virtual address.

Abstract: A subscriber dynamically establishes a peer-to-peer session from a source subscriber to a destination subscriber across a switched virtual circuit (SVC). A signaling (control) connection is established from the source subscriber to a server, and a connection request is sent via the signaling (control) connection to the server requesting establishment of the SVC to the destination subscriber. In response, a database is queried for information about a source switch associated with the source subscriber and a destination switch associated with the destination subscriber. Subsequently, the connection request is forwarded to a proxy signaling agent, and the proxy signaling agent signals the source switch and the destination switch to dynamically establish the SVC connection from the source switch to the destination switch. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An SVC is established between a client and a host by dynamically configuring a host CPE device using a custom module designed for the host CPE device. The configured host CPE device enables communication between the client and the host via the SVC connection.

Abstract: According to the invention, an ATM switch is used for returning signalling cells to their input side and to an apparatus which is located there for processing signalling cells and which performs SAR functions. The apparatus (56) processing signalling cells is connected to the ATM layer circuit (52) using a UTOPIA interface according to the standard. Seen from the ATM layer circuit, the processing apparatus does not hereby in any way differ from those physical layer circuits (PHY) connected to it through the UTOPIA interface which connect the optical fibres to the ATM node.

Abstract: Network protocol for efficient distributed control. A packet used to implement an embodiment of the invention includes a routing control list, routing control data, and a data field. The routing control list identifies a node responsible for passing the packet. The routing control data identifies a first communication media to be used to pass the packet to the identified node and a second communication media to be used to pass the packet from the identified node. The data field contains electronic data being transmitted by the packet.

Abstract: A virtual private branch exchange (PBX) system that routes calls within a packet-switching network. Login information is received from a data device. The login information includes an alias identifying a user at the data device and a network address identifying the location of the data device on the packet-switching network. The virtual private branch exchange system associates the user's private branch exchange extension with the network address and routes calls to the user's (PBX) extension to the data device on the basis of the network address of the data device.

Abstract: A method for load balancing including creating a network, having a plurality of servers, to service a single multicast address using a source specific join, where the source specific join allows each of the plurality of servers to specify a source internet protocol address range that each of the plurality of servers services. Further, method includes reallocating the source internet protocol address range specified for at least one of the plurality of servers using a load balancing policy and a control multicast channel while at least one of the plurality of servers is handling communications.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly resilient network infrastructure that provides connectivity between a main network such as the Internet and a subnetwork such as a server-based (e.g., web server) local area network. In accordance with the invention, a network interface incorporated into a server hosting center provides a resilient architecture that achieves redundancy in each of three different layers of the Open System Interconnect (OSI) stack protocol (i.e., physical interface, data link, and network layers). For every network device that is active as a primary communication tool for a group of subnetworks, the same device is a backup for another group of subnetworks. Based on the same connection-oriented switching technology (e.g., asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) found in high-speed, broadband Internet backbones such as that provided by InternetMCI, the network interface architecture provides a high degree of resiliency, reliability and scalability.

Abstract: A network connecting device 100 comprises a LAN I/F 130 for performing communications with a LAN, a N-ISDN I/F 170 for performing a connectionless transmission, and a ATM I/F 160 for performing a connection-oriented transmission. A plurality of networks having different transfer systems are separately used, and communication channels are switched as occasion demands. A connection table section 200 holds correspondence among individual communication channels. A channel setting control program section 500 allocates a communication channel for new communication data. A kicking-out program section 1300 makes a communication channel used for low-priority communication data available for high-priority communication data. A recovery program section 700 reallocates a communication channel for communication data that has changed a communication channel after completion of high-priority communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus retrieves and stores configuration information for network endpoint devices from other devices in the network, such as a switch adjacent to the endpoint device. When the endpoint device establishes a connection with the network, it generates a sequence of SNMP getnext commands using the ILMI interface to obtain the configuration information from the network device. If the network device sends a trap to the endpoint device indicating a change has been made to the configuration parameters stored in the network device for a PVC, a series of SNMP getrequest commands are made using the ILMI interface to retrieve the configuration information for that PVC from the network device. If the endpoint device detects an interruption in communication with the network device, the endpoint device discards the information retrieved previously.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ATM communication apparatus including an SAR module for executing the processing of a low level layer in an ATM communication network, and a processing unit for executing the processing of a high level layer in the ATM communication network, for the purpose of realizing the function of converting an ATM cell which is a unit of information transmission in the ATM communication network, into an IP packet adapted to a communication protocol of a computer network, and the function of converting the IP packet to ATM cells. Segmentation and reassembly of the IP packet is executed in the SAR module. Thus, congestion of data between the SAR module and the processing unit can be reduced, so that the throughput from the input of the ATM cells to the output of the IP packet and from the input of the IP packet to the output of the ATM cells can be elevated.

Abstract: A session protection system for an ATM packet switching network enables real-time data to be protected from unauthorised access. The usual rules for transmission/reception ensure ATM cells are delivered in the order transmitted, and with a consistent VP or VP/VC value. ATM defines an adaptation layer for transmitting packets through a VC, whereby adaptation layer endpoints break packets into cells and packet transmission relies on both rules for correct operation. The session protection system disrupts this control and employs at least one pseudo random number generator (PRG1,PRG2), located in a transmitting network element (A) to break at least one of the rules by either delivering cells in a different order or delivering ATM cells with a non-consistent VP or VP/VC value. At least one pseudo random number generator (PRG1,PRG2) at a receiving network element (B) either reassembles cells in the order of transmission, or with a consistent VP or VP/VC value respectively.

Abstract: A network node having a shared memory buffer for the temporary storage of data packets is configured to implement a push out technique for implementing different loss priorities among traffic classes. When a data packet is stored in a connection queue in the buffer, a weighted queue length associated with that connection queue is incremented by a weight value associated with the connection. When a data packet is removed from a connection queue, the weighted queue length associated with that connection queue is decremented by the weight value associated with the connection. When a data packet arrives at the network node but there is not enough room in the buffer, a data packet is removed from the connection queue having the maximum weighted queue length to make room in the buffer for the newly arrived data packet. Loss priorities are implemented by the appropriate provisioning of weights to traffic classes and by appropriate initialization of weighted queue lengths.

Abstract: A technique is provided for managing VPN packet flows over shared access data networks. Each node in the shared access network typically has an identifier or ID associated with it which is used at a Head End of the shared access network to uniquely identify that particular node from the other nodes in the network. According to the technique of the present invention, the node ID may be used at the Head End of the network to identify not only the corresponding node, but also to identify any virtual private networks (VPNs) of which the corresponding node is a member. Using the technique of the present invention, nodes which are members of the same VPN within a shared access network may exchange packets in a manner which does not require the packets to be routed outside the shared access network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for queuing and de-queuing packets in a two-dimensional link list data structure. A network processor processes data for transmission for a plurality of Virtual Connections (VCs). The processor creates a two-dimensional link list data structure for each VC. The data field of each data packet is stored in one or more buffer memories. Each buffer memory has an associated buffer descriptor that includes a pointer to the location of the buffer memory, and a pointer pointing to the memory of the next buffer descriptor associated with a buffer memory storing data for the same packet. Each data packet also has an associated packet descriptor including a pointer pointing to the memory location of the first buffer descriptor associated with that packet, and a pointer pointing to the memory location of the packet descriptor associated with the next data packet queued for transmission.

Abstract: In a communication network system that is capable of multipoint connection from one switch to a plurality of other switches, to provide an efficient method of rerouting connection in multipoint connection. There is provided a method of rerouting connection, if there is a first other switch that cannot receive multipoint connection request information from the one switch, the method comprising the steps of: receiving in a second other switch first multipoint connection request information sent from the one switch; generating in the second other switch second multipoint connection request information to the first other switch by using the first multipoint connection request information; sending the second multipoint connection request information generated in the second other switch to the first other switch; and performing prescribed multipoint connection processing in the first other switch by using the second multipoint connection request information sent from the second other switch.

Abstract: A router device and a label switched path control method capable of reducing the number of label switched paths to be set up by using an upstream initiated procedure in which the label allocation starts from an ingress router are disclosed. In the router device, a router identification information of a target router to be set as an egress router if possible is stored in an egress router list at a time of setting up a label switched path from the router device as an ingress router, and a control to set up the label switched path to the target router stored in the egress router list is carried out.

Abstract: In a method for enabling filtering of data packets passing along a data link (10), each data packet to be filtered includes connection data relating to the source of the data packet and the destination of the data packet. For at least some of the data packets passing along a data link, the connection data of the data packets is compared in a hardware logic device (24) with connection data stored in the hardware logic device (24). A positive evaluation result is generated for any packet for which the connection data of the data packet matches any of the connection data stored in the hardware logic device (24), whereby the data packet can be filtered. For a packet whose connection data does not match connection data that has been previously stored in the hardware logic device (24), connection data for the packet is preferably added to the connection data stored in the hardware logic device (24). The hardware logic device (24) may be a content addressable memory (CAM).

Abstract: A signaling technique for use with an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) over asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) system is disclosed. The ATM over ADSL system employs an ATM multiplexer (MUX) operatively connected to a number of downstream ATM devices and operatively connected to an upstream ATM switch. The MUX is configured to receive and process upstream setup messages that originate from the downstream ATM devices. In response to an upstream message cell, the MUX compares the call reference number (CRN) contained in the setup message with a table of CRN values associated with other calls. If necessary, the MUX assigns a new CRN value to the current setup message such that the current connection with the originating downstream device is uniquely identified by the assigned CRN. The MUX uses a CRN mapping table to facilitate the unambiguous downstream routing of subsequent signaling cells.

Abstract: A computer communications network comprises a plurality of interconnected ATM switches forming a WAN or LAN area network over which ATM cells are transmitted, and a plurality of user devices including LAN interface adapters for connection to one or more to local area networks (LANs). An interface device connects at least some of the respective ATM switches to the LAN interface adapters. The interface adapts the ATM cells for transport over the LANS. The user devices can thus communicate through the LAN interface adapters transparently with the wide area network.

Abstract: The system and method allow Customer Premises Equipment Network Access Devices using ATM as a datalink layer transport, to automatically determine what VC addresses are supported by the remote Network Access Concentrator end of the physical connection. A “divide and conquer” approach is used to ping as quickly as possible the most likely VPI/VCI values. The VC discovery mechanism attempts to discover active VP's and pings only VC's on these VP's. If there are no VP replies, it pings VC's to a limited VCI depth covering the entire VP range. The maximum predetermined range of VC's to ping (MAX-PING) and the physical upstream line speed determines the overall amount of time required by this procedure. Direct benefits of the proposed approach include: time and money saved by not having to customize the firmware in each NAD destined for particular Network Service Providers, and improved end-user experience by providing plug-and-play convenience out of the box.

Abstract: A Totem ring network (100) includes Totem rings (102, 104) which are geographically separated by relatively long distances. Time latencies between the geographically separated Totem rings (102, 104) are minimized by providing each Totem ring with a dedicated router (122, 132) located geographically proximate to a respective Totem ring. Each router (122, 132) is joined together through point-to-point links (106, 108), and each server (124, 126, 128, 132, 134, 136) on a local area network (120, 130) of a respective ring (102, 104) is joined to the respective Totem ring (102, 104) and router (122, 132).

Abstract: Standard cells and AAL2 cells are processed by a single AAL terminating unit to reduce whole circuit scale of a radio communication system. An AAL identifying unit 3 determines whether an ATM cell is a standard cell or an AAL2 cell. When the ATM cell is a standard cell, the cell is transferred to the AAL terminating unit 7 as it is when the ATM cell is an AAL2 cell, the cell is assembled and to produce a plurality of ATM cells each of which corresponds to one of the short cells in the AAL2 cell and transferred to the unit 7. The unit 7 determines an AAL type of the ATM cell and processes then according to the AAL type.

Abstract: Techniques for determination of network parameters in, e.g., a processor-implemented system for characterizing, adjusting or optimizing the performance of a wireless network. In an illustrative embodiment, values of one or more link parameters of the wireless network are interpolated along edges in a mesh of data points derived at least in part from road location data characterizing an area serviced by the wireless network. A measure of network performance, e.g., a coverage measure based on pilot signal-to-interference ratio, may be generated using the interpolated values. The edges of the mesh have associated therewith a set of edge weights representative of traffic in the wireless network. The edge weights may be adjusted so as to be in agreement with available network traffic data.

Abstract: To provide an integrated information communication system without using dedicated lines or the Internet, ensuring communication speed, communication quality, communication trouble countermeasures in a unified manner, wherein security and reliability in communication is ensured. The system is comprised of an access control apparatus for connecting a plurality of computer communication networks or information communication equipment to each, and a relay device for networking the aforementioned access control apparatus, the system having functions for performing routing by transferring information by a unified address system, and is configured such that the aforementioned plurality of computer communication networks or information communication equipment can perform communications in an interactive manner.

Abstract: An end equipment (including a terminal equipment and a router) executes a destination address resolution of a data packet. In a network layer, when a packet transmitter detects that a direct route of an input packet is not registered in a routing table a path manager transmits an inquiry packet, demands a preparation of a point-to-point logical interface of the direct route based on a data link layer address of the destination included in the received response packet, and registers the prepared logical interface in the routing table.

Abstract: A network switch in a packet switched network includes a plurality of network switch ports, each configured for sending and receiving data packets between a medium interface and the network switch. The network switch port includes an IEEE 802.3 compliant transmit state machine and receive state machine configured for transmitting and receiving network data to and from a medium interface, such as a reduced medium independent interface, respectively. The network switch port also includes a memory management unit configured for selectively transferring the network data between the transmit and receive state machines and a random access transmit buffer and a random access receive buffer, respectively. The memory management unit transfers the network data between the transmit and receive state machines and the respective buffers based on prescribed interface protocol signals between the memory management unit and the transmit and receive state machines.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a network that can connect as many VPNs as possible to itself. In order to realize such a network, in the frame transfer method of the present invention, which enables a transfer path to be formed between nodes in the network so as to transfer frames, a terminal for transmitting frames or node located outside the transfer path, upon transmitting a frame through the transfer path, writes the transfer path selection information related to the transfer path and the output line information related to the output line from the terminating node of the transfer path in the frame according to the destination information set in the frame and transmits the frame to the destination.

Abstract: A real-time multicast scheduler method and apparatus is presented, to facilitate multicasting of real-time variable bit rate data in wireless ad-hoc networks. Variable bit rate traffic cannot tolerate delay jitter. However, a small amount of packet losses may be tolerable. In order to ensure the provisioning of a desired level of quality of service, bandwidth is reserved on the multicast structure. A goal of the real-time multicast scheduler is to avoid packet collisions and to facilitate color re-use, where “color” is defined as a channel selected as a combination of time-division multiple access, frequency-division multiple access, and code-division multiple access schemes. The real-time multicast scheduler provides a self-healing network which corrects for disconnections caused by node movement and nodes moving out of range of each other, while accounting for colors already assigned for data transmission in order to prevent packet collisions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for selecting one particular interface between a pair of adjacent nodes in an ATM network for assignment to a call in that network. The cell rate available on each possible interface is examined and compared with the cell rate expected for the call, and one of the interfaces is selected and assigned responsive to those cell rates. (1) The interface can be chosen which preserves the maximum remaining cell rate for future calls. (2) The interface with the highest-speed available link can be chosen, so long as cell rate capacity is available on that interface for the call.

Abstract: A computer implemented method in which Internet Protocol (IP) packets are routed within a first Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) domain from a single network device with a first database. The first database includes addresses of the first ISP. IP packets are also routed within a second ISP's domain from single network device with a second database. The second database, which is separate from the first database, includes addresses of the second ISP.

Abstract: The invention relates to ATM systems, and particularly to mobility and call control management therein. A wireless ATM network comprises at least on ATM switch, and base stations connected to the ATM switch by a user-network-interface interface. In addition, at least one controlling network element of a conventional PLMN network, such as a mobile telephone exchange or a base station controller, which is responsible for the mobility management and call control, is connected to the ATM network by the UNI interface. A permanent virtual channel is provided between the base station and the controlling PLM element for PLM-specific signalling (signalling related to, for example, call control, mobility management or radio resource management). The ATM switch therebetween forwards the signalling without interpreting it in any way. The PLMN element remotely controls the ATM switch to switch a virtual connection between the base station and another point according to the ATM standards.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting multiple protocol conversion in a network accelerator. A network device includes a transmit processing engine, a receive processing engine and one or more memories, each memory including one or more buffers for storing packets. When a packet is received, the receive engine adds a 4, 8, 12 or 16-byte tag to the front of the packet on a per-VC basis and stores the packet to a buffer. Additionally, the receive engine is able to add an offset to the starting address of the packet in the buffer relative to the beginning of the buffer. When a packet is to be transmitted, the transmit engine is able to transmit the packet from an address that is offset from the starting address of the buffer by one or more bytes. Additionally, the transmit engine is able to add one of several predefined packet headers on a per-packet basis.

Abstract: The packet switching system for transmitting and receiving a packet via a packet switching network 100, which comprises a plurality of routing tables (#0, #1, #2 . . . ), each of which has been generated by a unique routing policy, stored in the routing apparatuses deployed at the border, at the origin or at the end of the respective routing domains, an identifier (RTI) inserted in the packet to specify the routing tables, and an identifier changer to change a value of the identifier on the packet switching network 100. The routing apparatus selects one of the routing tables (#0, #1, #2 . . . ) according to the RTI in the received packet and transfers the packet to a destination that is specified by the selected routing table.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for setting a subscriber routing using traffic information through networks, comprising the steps of classifying a traffic grade deciding the availability of network elements, after acquiring traffic information of the network elements by using a first information of configuration and connection states of the network elements collected for network management through the networks, and by using a second information calculated by assigning weight-value to a predefined each variable of the network elements, selecting a less traffic unit or port by the classified traffic grade in the case of requests for setting a connection routing path for a new subscriber through the networks, and setting final connection routing path by selecting an available subscriber connection a virtual path identifier/virtual channel identifier (VPI/VCI) in a selected unit or port.

Abstract: A packet network of interconnected nodes employs a method of routing with service level guarantees to determine a path through the network for a requested label-switched path (LSP). Each of the nodes includes one or more routers that forward packets based on a forwarding table constructed from paths determined in accordance with the method of routing with service level guarantees. The method of routing with service level guarantees determines the path of the requested LSP based on the effect that routing those packets of the requested LSP may have on current and/or future demands on the capacity of network nodes for currently provisioned LSPs. Such method of routing with service level guarantees may not necessarily route packets of a requested LSP along the shortest path, or minimum number of hops, through the network. Given the packet network and LSP request, a linear programming system may be defined by a set of linear programming equations for a non-split demand case.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a network switch port for providing queuing of data frames as they are transferred from a switch port to an external memory. Multiple buffers within the external memory used to store a single data frame are linked together by writing a next buffer location in each buffer header. Storing linking information within each buffer eliminates the need for a separate memory for storing all the buffer locations used to store a data frame, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the network switch port.

Abstract: An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network and method for operating an ATM network which provides for virtual channel merging of individual user data cells. The ATM network comprises a multiplicity of source stations, wherein each one of the source stations is identified by a source identifier (SID) and is connected to at least one non-merged virtual channel (VC); a first ATM switch having a first input, a second input, and an output, such that the first input is connected to one of the non-merged virtual channels (VCs), the second input is connected to a different one of the non-merged VCs, and the output is connected to a merged VC; and at least one destination station is connected to the merged VC, which maintains a SID allocation table containing each one of the source identifiers (SIDs).