Patent ID: 6452939
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
An asynchronous transfer mode apparatus, comprising:a first converting unit receiving a data cell with a header having an input virtual identifier, retrieving said input virtual identifier from said header, reading a routing tag and a first identifier from a first memory in response to said retrieved input virtual identifier, adding said routing tag to an overheader of said cell, and converting contents of said header into said first identifier, said header and overheader being distinguishable from each other, said routing tag and first identifier each being associated with said input virtual identifier in said first memory; a switching unit receiving said cell from said first converting unit and routing said cell along a path according to said routing tag in said overheader; a second converting unit receiving said cell from said switching unit, retrieving said first identifier from said header, reading a physical link and a second identifier from a second memory in accordance with said retrieved first identifier, converting data in said header into said second identifier, said second identifier and physical link being associated with said first identifier in said second memory; and a demultiplexing unit receiving said cell from said second converting unit and transferring said cell to said physical link corresponding to said second identifier.