Patent ID: 6574223
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
An adaptation layer switching network for transporting traffic carried in asynchronous minicells mapped into asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cells, said switching network comprising a plurality of edge device nodes (ED) interconnected by a multiplicity of ATM links via a number of adaptation layer switches, wherein each adaptation layer switch has:means for receiving/transmitting ATM cells over a number of the plurality of ATM links interconnecting said EDs; means for switching ATM minicells between switch ingress points and egress points; and means for assembling switched ATM minicells into ATM cells for transmission on one or more of said plurality of ATM links interconnecting the EDs; and wherein each ED has an adaptation layer (AAL) thereof arranged as: a service specific convergence sublayer (SSCS) for assembly/disassembly of ATM minicells in a service specific manner; and a common part convergence sublayer (CPS) for assembly and disassembly of ATM minicells to/from ATM cells.