Patent ID: 6707800
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
An ATM communications network comprising:a) a source generating an ATM cell; b) an ATM bridge node in communication with said source comprising: i) at least one input port; ii) at least one output port; iii) at least one permanent virtual path identified by an associated virtual path identifier, wherein responsive to said virtual path identifier incorporated in said ATM cell received at said at least one output port, said ATM cell is routed to said at least one input port associated with said permanent virtual path; and iv) a control layer; and c) a central call processor remotely located from said ATM bridge node and in communication with said source, wherein responsive to a request from said source said central call processor assigns a value for said virtual path identifier for said at least one permanent virtual path and said virtual path identifier transmitted by said call processor through said control layer of the ATM bridge node to the source, wherein said permanent virtual path is retained within said ATM bridge node after said ATM cell is transported.