Patent ID: 6125119
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
For use in data communication networks having at least two sub-networks connected to each other through links at network-to-network interfaces (NNIs) and at least two end users, each end user being connected to at least one of the network nodes at a user-to-network interface (UNI), a method of controlling a virtual connection (VC) between the two end users, said method comprising the steps of:a) activating a dynamic permanent virtual connection (DPVC) segment at the UNI between an originating end user and an originating network node bytransferring a connection-activating message from the originating end user to the originating network node, said connection-activating message including a data link connection identifier (DLCI) value for the DPVC segment for the UNI between the originating end user and the originating network node,where an activation-accepted response is received from the network within a predetermined period of time, completing the establishment of a switched permanent virtual connection (SPVC) from the originating network node to the destination network node, andwhere no activation-accepted response is received from the network within a predetermined period of time, abandoning the attempt to establish a virtual connection between the originating end user and the destination end user;said DPVC segment being terminable under the control of either the originating end user or the originating network node;b) activating a DPVC segment at the UNI between a destination network node and a destination end user, said DPVC segment being terminable under the control of either the destination end user or the destination network node; andc) establishing a switched permanent virtual connection (SPVC) between the originating and destination network nodes to form a complete virtual connection between the originating end user and the destination end user.