Patent ID: 6785280
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A communications system for dynamically allocating asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) connections between nodes in a network comprising:a master exchange switch for controlling a slave exchange switch through one or more trunk signaling links, wherein said master exchange switch is configured for: pooling all devices available to the master exchange switch into groups of virtual devices; determining if a new connection is needed in the network; and allocating groups of virtual devices to provide said new connections, if needed, by first grouping a number of virtual devices into a route used to carry network traffic; first and second interworking units (IWUs) coupled to said master exchange switch and said slave exchange switch through first and second physical connections, respectively; and an ATM connection forming a signal pathway between said first IWU and said second IWU, wherein said master exchange is configured to control the slave exchange and sets up said ATM connection through said first and second IWUs to dynamically create traffic routes extending from the master exchange to said slave exchange.