THE INVENTION CONCERNS METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ATM TRANSMISSION

Abstract: The invention discloses means and methods for transmission of information in paths of an ATM network wherein a path setup for at least one new path in the network is initiated if the path capac-ity currently used for transmission of information exceeds a threshold, wherein a path release for at least one path in the network is initiated if the path capacity currently used for transmission of information is below a threshold.

Description: 0 The invention concerns methods and devices for ATM transmission. AAL type 2 switching as a resource saving variant of ATM based switching methods requires virtual channel connections (VCC, in the following called 'AAL type 2 path' or simply 'path'.) as bearers of AAL type 2 connections. The AAL type 2 'paths may be provided as permanent paths (PVC VCC) , or as switched paths (SVC VCC), or as soft PVC VCC. It is an object of the invention to e- nable network elements to set up SVC paths in a flexible, dyna- mical and anticipatory way according to the traffic volume carried by the network, and to release SVC paths when' the traffic volume is decreasing . Known solutions exclusively use PVCs as paths. There are no solu- tion providers or publications known which are using, or do intend to use SVCs as paths. It is an object of the invention to enable network elements to set up SVC-paths in a flexible, dynamic and anticipatory way in a net- work according to the traffic volume, and to release SVC- paths again when traffic volume is decreasing. The object is achieved by the invention as set forth in the claims and the description. The setup and release of paths is controlled by access resource management. An important element of resource management is a mechanism, which uses (administrable or preset) threshold values to recognize, whether the currently available path capacity is sufficient, or whether the path capacity is too high. The veri- fication of the path capacity is performed each time when resources (bandwidth, AA type 2 channels) are requested for the setup of an AAL type 2 connection ('call by call'), or when AAL type 2 connection resources are to be released. Depending on the result of the verification, resource management initiates the setup of a new path, releases an unused path, or decides to lea- ve the path configuration as it is . The functions necessary to setup and release a path are performed by switching components, especially provided for this task, and using a suitable signalling.Those switching components, and also other intermediate switching components involved in the setup of calls, may use network-learned routing information (that is exchanged by a suitable protocol) or administered routing information for the setup of new paths. Moreover, such routing information may also be used by those switching components when choosing a path to be released. One advantage of such a solution is the reduction of administrative efforts to be provided by a network operator. Another •advantage is the adaption of ATM based virtual transmission paths to • the current traffic volume, automatically controlled by the network element. The invention allows to just in time provide those AAL type 2 transmission paths, which are currently needed to process the AAL type 2 traffic without interferring with that traffic. The following description of embodiments of the invention and the enclosed figures disclose further possible features and advantages of the invention. Dynamical AkL type 2 path switching 0.1 List of f gures and tables Figure 1 : Connection control elements Figure 2 : AM data structures Figure 3 : Path reservation Figure 4 : Connecting A2SC and LIC Figure 5: Disconnecting A2SC and LIC Figure 6: Traffic flow Figure 7 : Message parameters Figure 8 : Path setup at the originating endpoint Figure 9: Path setup at the destination endpoint Figure 10: Path release at the originating endpoint Figure 11: Path release at the destination endpoint 0.2 Abbreviations A AAL ATM Adaption Layer N NNI Network to Network Interface AESA ATM End System Address NRM Network Routing Manager AINI ATM Internetwork InterP PNNI Private Network Node face Interface AM Access Manager PRH Protocol Handler ATM Asynchronous Transfer PVC Permanent Virtual Mode Channel ATMF ATM Forum R RHS Resoure Handler Subsystem A2C AAL type 2 Channel RNC Radio Network Controller A2SC AAL type 2 Server Card S SAG Signalling Agent B BCF Bearer Control Function SLT Signalling Link Termination C CAM Call Maintenance SVC Switched Virtual Connection CIH Connection Identifier SVP Switched Virtual Path Handler CRA Connection Resource T TRAU Transcoding and Rate Agent Adaption Unit CRH Connection Resource Han- TSC TRAU Server Card dler D DBMS Data Base Management U UNI User to Network InterSystem face DSS2 Digital Subscriber Sig- V VC Virtual Channel nailing #2 E EP Endpoint VCC Virtual Channel Connection ESIS Enhanced Signalling In- VCI Virtual Channel identerworking Subsystem tifier F FIFO First in first out VP Virtual Path I IE Information Element VPC Virtual Path Connection ISDN Integrated Services VPCI Virtual Path ConnecDigital network tion Identifier ISUP ISDN User Part VPI Virtual path identifier ITU International Telecommunications Union L LC Leg Controller LH Leg Handler LIC Line Interface Card 0. 3 Overview AAL type 2 switching depends on virtual channel connections (VCC) as bearers of AAL type 2 connections. The VCCs may be represented by permanent VCCs (PVC), by switched VCCs (SVC), or by switched PVCs (also called soft PVCs) . The description puts its focus on SVCs. If soft PVC implementation is desired, the ability to switch virtual channels is a prerequisite. The advantage of using switched virtual channels rather than PVCs obviously is a reduction of administrative efforts. An operator is not forced to initially build up PVCs within the network, and to continously measure the traffic for the purpose of keeping PVC path resources up to date. The network dynamically and automatically establishes the AAL type 2 paths as required by the traffic flows through it. Mixed operation shall however be supported. Operators of small networks may prefer the PVC solution. Others may decide to use PVCs towards the access side (connecting RNCs) , but are favouring SVCs meshing the network. 0.4 Signalling Consulting the standards, ITU-T amendments to Q.2931 define additional information elements or extensions to existing ones such as the AAL parameters IE or the generic transport identifier IE to support AAL type 2 switching using SVCs. ATMF papers clearly suggest DSS2 signalling protocols, such as UNI signalling 4.0 (which may be considered identical to Q.2931), or AINI and PNNI. AINI signalling has been developed by the standardization bodies for inter-network communication, especially between PNNI and non- PNNI networks. Since nobody talks about ISUP in the context of SVC pathes for AAL type 2 switching, the recommendation (and furthermore the working assumption) is to implement UNI and AINI signalling. So far there are no standards existing which specify the procedures to be used when setting up or releasing AAL type 2 paths based on SVCs. 0.5 Connection control architecture (Figure 1 : Connection control elements) The centrally located connection control functions comprise the AAL type 2 connection processing (AAL2 control) _ and ' the SVC connection processing (SVC control) . The SVC connections represent the paths of AAL type 2 connections. The signalling agent (SAG) and the related signalling link terminations (SLT) interface to AAL2 control, whereas ESIS and its protocol handler (PrH) will serve SVC control. The interfaces to the access manager (_M) and network routing manager (NRM) are common to both AAL2 and SVC control. Towards the periphery, AAL2 control interfaces with the connection identifier handler (CIH) , which in turn handles the switching requests to the server cards TSC and A2SC, whereas switching requests from SVC control take the path via the resource handler (RHS) towards A2SC and LIC. Alternatively CIH and RHS may be merged to a connection resource handler (CRH) , commonly holding the interface to connection control and to the peripheral units. SVC control has no interface with call control. The bearer control function (BCF) of a served user communicates with AAL2 control only. There will be no direct interface between SVC and AAL2 control, for example via a message interface. The coupling is indirect via AM, which indeed decides when to set up or release an AAL type 2 path. 0.6 The access manager 0. 6. 1 Access data structures The access manager AM plays a central part in the AAL type 2 path switching mechanism. AM is dedicated to allocate and release resources for the setup and release of AAL type 2 connections carried by PVC and SVC paths, as well as to allocate and release resources for the setup and release of SVC connections as the the paths of AAL type 2 connections. As a DBMS download unit, AM manages download data and transient data of accesses, virtual path connections (VPC, in the traditional ATM context), virtual channels (VC, switched or permanent), and AAL type 2 channels. This makes AM the overall access related resource holder, and puts it into a position to most efficiently decide, when AAL2 paths need to be setup or released. The figure below shows 4 hierarchical data object levels, beginning with accesses via virtual path connections and virtual channel connections (the AAL type 2 paths), down to the AAL type 2 channels. It is not intended here to give a complete data model. A few characteristics, as far as AAL type 2 path switching is concerned, shall however be highlighted. From the viewpoint of SVC control, an access can be a UNI or an NNI (AINI) access. Threshold values, as needed for opportune path setup or release, could be attached to accesses or, alternatively, to VPCs. Due to AAL type 2 path switching, the data object level 'VPC is introduced. VPCs, like in classical ATM switching, may carry at ¬ tributes such as traffic type (e.g. constant bit rate), maximum of allowed peak cell rates, SVC selection methods, or AAL type 2 traffic type (voice, data) . Accumulated cell rates of active virtual channels are at least required as part of the transient data. Switched VCCs do not have download data. Accumulated traffic data such as currently used cell rates or the number of active AAL type 2 channels need to be kept as transient data. The third data type (lists, as indicated in the figure) comprises members of a data object. The term 'list' is to be understood in a common sense. The implemented data structures shall ensure that members can be searched, added, and deleted by use of their identifiers within efficient time. (Figure 2: AM data structures) 0. 6.2 Path selection As a minimum requirement, the forward and backward sequential SVC assignment method shall be implemented. It is recommended, to implement a forward and backward circular assignment as well. Optionally, one may consider FIFO queuing mechanisms . 0. 6. 3 Path monitoring The decision when to initiate a new path setup or path release is made by AM on a per call base, that is, whenever AM is called by AAL2 control to allocate or deallocate resources for an AAL type 2 connection setup or release. AM compares the currently consumed path capacity (accumulated cell rates, number of AAL type 2 channels) with given threshold values. If on allocating resources the threshold value for setup is exceeded, AM selects a new path, and sends a message to SVC control, requesting the setup of the path. SVC control confirmes the co - pletion of path setup. Now AM may assign AAL type 2 channels to the new path. Si ularly, if upon deallocating the resources of an AAL type 2 connection the currently consumed path resources fall below the threshold value for release, AM requests SVC control to release a previously reserved, inactive path. (Figure 3: Path reservation) In general, one may tailor a threshold mechanism for the SVC selection method. Referring to the example below, a forward sequential selection is assumed, and AAL type 2 connections are assigned to the lowest path possible. Hence AM fills up from bottom to top, which makes the path on top the next candidate for release. A threshold mechanism independent of SVC selection methods may be achieved, if one considers the sum of all active path resources, and defines the threshold values as distances to the available resources of all active pathes . 0. 6. 4 Path ownership Path monitoring as described above is performed by an AM which is allocating resources for an originating AAL2 connection endpoint. In this way AM becomes the owner of a path, and indeed may be considered as a user requesting path setup. The path owner eclusively allocates a path identifier. An AM verifying the requested AAL type 2 connection resources at the destination endpoint of a path must assume that the path owner monitors the path resources. Consequently, only the path owner may release the path. 0. 6. 5 Exceptional conditions Within normal operation, the threshold mechanism shall ensure that path resources are provided in advance. There may occur situations however, where provision in advance cannot be guaranteed. Whenever a VPC is brought into service (again) , triggered by administration or by call maintenance, there will be no path existing. With the mechanism above, this will be detected when AM needs to assign an AAL type 2 connection to a path. AM now requests path setup, but for the present must reject resource allocation to AAL2 control. The problem can be overcome by automatically establishing a first path within a VPC as soon as AM receives the indication (from DBMS or possibly CAM) that a VPC is available for connection processing. Another exceptional situation may occur, when extremely bulky traffic comes in within a short period of time. As a general backup solution with a good chance not to loose the call, AAL2 control shall reattempt the connection setup after an appropriate delay, whenever it receives a rejection from AM indicating 'no path available, requesting setup'. 0.7 Routing SVC and AAL2 control commonly use the same routing, ideally having the same routing interface. The routing manager shall be able ' to deliver different routing result categories, such as 'local destination", if the path terminates in the own network element, or "routing destination", if the path has to be routed further. The criteria to terminate the path may be based on translation of the called party number, or on comparison of the called party number with the own network element address . 0.8 Alternative routing capability shall be supported. Path switching The requests to connect or disconnect pathes are initiated by the leg handlers , and addressed to a connection resource agent (CRA) , residing within SVC control . (Figure. 4 :. Connecting A2SC and LIC) CRA maps the received information into messages towards the responsible resource handlers (we will call them CRH) , sends the messages, receives the confirmations , and acknowledges to the leg handler (LH) . The sample figure does not intend to dictate the message flow to- wards the periphery. Whether or not a sequentialization is required (as shown in the figure ) , depends on further analysis stud- ies. For performance reasons, parallel tasks should be preferred whenever possible. If any coordinative functions are required, they shall be in hands of CRA. Coordination (sequentialization) by CRA may be also necessary in cases, when the connection setup is aborted due to failures, either encountered by SVC control, or signalled by a partner service (AM or ESIS) . The release procedures of the leg handlers then may request a premature disconnection, although previously issued connect requests are not yet completed. Similar aspects matter when disconnecting a path as shown in the figure below. Certain path setup scenarios may require an automatic setup repeat attempt, or an alternative routing attempt. Due to performance reasons, the outgoing leg (represented by LH and ESIS instance) are released simultaneously to setting up a new leg (with new LH and ESIS instances) . Considering the activities towards the periphery, this means that disconnect requests are likely to be still on the way, when another connect request arrives at CRA. (Figure 5 : Disconnecting A2SC and LIC) The figure below shows a (simplified) traffic flow through the ATM switching fabrics after having connected LICs to AAL type 2 server cards . (Figure 6: Traffic flow) In the upper left corner, a path, externally identified by VPCI=a and VCI=b, has been switched .through the LIC, and terminated on A2SC at endpoint x. The same has been done for an endpoint y, VPCI = c and VCI = d. The arrows are denoting the direction of call setup from the calling party towards the called party, but not necessarily the direction of path setup. This depends on the interface (radio or network interface) , and in case of a network interface on the chosen type of forward or backward bearer establishment . The dotted line with the internal endpoints u and v represents the AAL type 2 sphere of influence, which is not shown in detail here. 0.9 Basic path setup and release We are now prepared to set up and release SVC pathes. The table below gives a list of parameters used in the message flow charts . (Figure 7: Message parameters) 0. 9. 1 Path setup at the originating endpoint (Figure 8: Path setup at the originating endpoint) (1) The decision to set up a new path is made by AM, triggered by an AM_ALLOCATE_IND from AAL2 control, and based on the implemented threshold mechanism. AM allocates the resources requested by AAL2 control, and determines that the threshold value is exceeded. Hence AM sends an SVC_SETUP_REQ message to the leg controller (LC) of SVC control. The message contains the source and target network element, represented by calling and called party number. These informations are given to AM by AAL2 control, and must be passed on to SVC control to assure that AAL type 2 connections and pathes take the same route through the transport network. Furthermore, the message contains the connection characteristics, which are externally signalled, and which are needed to perform path switching towards the periphery. (2) The leg controller calls the network routing manager (NRM) , providing it at least with the target network element. Certain connection characteristics, serving as additional route selection criteria, and the source network element may be provided as well. NRM returns a route (an access), which is included into the CMI SETUP message sent to the leg handler. (3) The leg handler calls M via SVC_ALLOCATE_IND, delivering the access and connection characteristics. AM assigns VPCI, VCI, and path identifier, and allocates the resources. LH inserts these data into the CMI_SETUP message to ESIS. Simultaneously, LH issues a connect request to CRA (see also chapter 'path switching'). (4) ESIS encodes the CMI_SETUP into a SETUP message, and sends it via its protocol handler to the adjacent network element. The arrival of a first backward message is 1 monitored by a timer (as required by Q.2931) . The decoded CONNECT message is passed on to LH. (5) LH awaits both the confirmation from CRA and the CMI_CONNECT message from ESIS, before reporting back to LC. (6) LC confirms the setup to AM, which now activates the path for the transport of AAL type 2 connections. 0. 9.2 Path setup at the destination endpoint (Figure 9: Path setup at the destination endpoint) (1) ESIS receives a SETUP message from its protocol handler, decodes it, includes the access, and sends a CMI_SETUP to the leg handler of SVC control. (2) LH calls AM for verification of the path data (VPCI, VCI, path identifier) . AM reserves the resources in accordance to the re ¬ quested connection characteristics. On positive acknowledgement, LH passes the CMI_SETUP to the leg controller. (3) LC calls NRM, delivering source and target information, eventually including additional route selection criteria. NRM declares that the target has been reached. LC sets up a CMI_CONNECT message to- wards LH, containing an indication that the path is to be terminated. (4) Interpreting the termination flag, LH calls CRA, and requests the LIC to be connected to an A2SC. After having received the confirmation, LH passes the CMI_CONNECT to ESIS. 0. 9. 3 (5) ESIS decodes the message, and transmits it over the preceeding link. 0. 9. 4 Path release at the originating endpoint (Figure 10: Path release at the originating endpoint) (1) AM deallocates resources for an AAL type 2 connection, and finds out that the path resources fell below the release threshold value. AM calls the leg controller of SVC control to release an inactive path. (2) LC sets up a CMI_RELEASE message, and sends it to LH . (3 ) LH passes the message to ESIS. Simultaneously, LH issues a disconnect request towards CRA. (4) ESIS sends a RELEASE message to its succeeding link, receives a RELEASE_COMPLETE message, and transmits a CMI_RELEASE_CNF to LH. The ESIS instance terminates. (5) LH coordinates the arrival of the disconnect confirmation from CRA with the arrival of the CMI_RELEASE_CNF message from ESIS. If both messages are present, LH calls AM to release VPCI and VCI, (eventually also the path identifier) , and to deallocate the resources of the path. If done, LH forwards the CMI_RELEASE_CNF to LC, and terminates . (6) LC confirms to AM, and terminates. AM releases the path identifier (if not yet done on deallocation) . 0. 9. 5 Path release at the destination endpoint (Figure 11 : Path release at the destination endpoint) (1) ESIS receives a RELEASE message from its adjacent network element, decodes it, and forwards a CMI_RELEASE message to LH. (2) LH informs LC. (3) LC reflects a CMI_RELEASE_CNF and terminates. (4) LH requests disconnection of the path from CRA. On positive reply, LH calls AM for deallocation of the resources. Finally LH acknowledges to ESIS and terminates . (5) ESIS sends a RELEASE_COMPLETE message over its external link and terminates . 0.10 Timers ESIS provides timers as required by Q.2931. When SVC control is triggered by AM to set up or to release a path, timing is required, and well positioned at the LC instance. 0.11 Transit path setup Considering a path setup at the destination endpoint as shown above, we let NRM state that the target network element has been reached. But what to do, if NRM responses with result category 'routing destination', indicating the path to be routed further? Principally there are three options to react on. Option 1: The single hop solution , SVC control acts as if the routing result 'local destination' has been received, that is, the path is terminated within the network' element. Providing eventually 'missing path links' towards the target network element is left to AM lateron, triggered by AAL2 connection setups originating in the given network element.. Option 2 : The multiple hop solution SVC control terminates the path within the network element, however continues to setup an outgoing leg. AM, upon receiving a request for path resource allocation, now decides to setup another path or not. If AM rejects with an indication 'Rejected, path available', SVC control releases the outgoing leg, and the job is finished. If AM accepts, SVC control continues to establish the path as usual. As a result, we have another path originating in the network element, and either terminating somewhere at an intermediate network element, or at the target network element. Option 3: The transit solution SVC control does not terminate the path in the network element. Instead, AM is called by the outgoing leg handler to allocate resources for a path, which is the same as the incoming one. Towards the periphery, SVC control switches through the path in the classical way, that is, from LIC to LIC.

Claims: Claims 1. Method for transmission of information in paths of an ATM network wherein a path setup for at least one new path in the network is initiated if the path capacity currently used for transmission of information exceeds a threshold (Fig. 14, setup threshold), wherein a path release for at least one path in the network is initiated if the path capacity currently used for transmission of information is below a threshold (Fig. 14, release threshold) . 2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that the decisions on path setups and/or path releases are made when a new call or an other new data transmission is requested to be set up, wherein preferably for making an anticipatory decision the said capacity currently used for transmission of information includes the capacity necessary for the new call or data transmission. 3. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the setup threshold and/ or the currently used path capacity represents accumulated cell rates . . Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the thresholds and/ or the currently used path capacity represent the number of currently used ATM-channels in one path or in more than one path or in all paths. 5. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the thresholds are preset values. 6. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the thresholds are variable values that are administrated by the network. 7. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the network is an ATM-AAL2 network. 8. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the setup threshold exceeds the release threshold. 9. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that after setup of a path, ATM- channels can be assigned to the path. 10. Method according to any of the preceding, claims characterized in that the path capacity .currently used for transmission of information is the current traffic in either one path or all currently used paths. 11. Method according to any of the preceding claims ' characterized in that the setup and/or release threshold represents a minimum or maximum of a distance between currently used network resources and all available path resources. 12. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that a path is an ATM-VCC (ATM virtual channel connection) . 13. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that a channel is an AAL2 channel. 14. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that after a setup of more than one path, a path is respectively occupied completely with ATM- channels before starting to occupy an other path with ATM channels . 15. Method according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that a path release for at least one path in the network is initiated only if the path capacity currently used for transmission of information is below a threshold during at least a preset period of time or if it is on the average below a thresh- old during at least a preset period of time. 16. Device for transmission of information in paths of an ATM network -with means for storing thresholds -with means for determining the path capacity currently used for transmission of information -with means for comparing the determined path capacity currently used for transmission of information and at least one stored threshold -with means (Figure 10/ SVC control; access manager) that are designed for initiating a path setup for at least one new path in the network if the path capacity currently used for transmission of information exceeds a threshold (Fig. 14, setup threshold), -with means that are designed for initiating a path release for at least one path in the network if the path capacity currently used for transmission of information is below a threshold (Fig. 14, release threshold) . 17. Device according to claim 16 characterized in that the decisions on path setups and/or path releases are made when a new call or an other data transmission is requested to be set up, wherein preferably the said capacity currently used for transmission of information includes the capacity necessary for the new call or data transmission. 18. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-17 characterized in that the thresholds and/ or the currently used path capacity represent accumulated cell rates . 19. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-18 characterized in that the thresholds and/ or the currently used path capacity represent the number of currently used ATM-channels in one path or in more than one path or in all paths . 20. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-19 characterized in that the thresholds are preset values. 21. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-20 characterized in that the thresholds are variable values that are administrated by the network. 22. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-21 characterized in that the network is an ATM-AAL2 network. 23. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-22 characterized in that the setup threshold for setup of at least one path is bigger the release threshold for release of at least one path. 24. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-23 characterized in that after setup of a path, ATM- channels can be assigned to the path. 25. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-24 characterized in that the path capacity currently used for transmission of information is the current traffic . 26. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-25 characterized in that the setup and/or release threshold repre- sents a minimum or maximum of a distance between currently used network resources and all available path resources . 27. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-26 characterized in that it or a component of it is provided at an access point of an ATM network. 28. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-27 characterized in that a path is an ATM-VCC (ATM virtual channel connection) . 29. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-28 characterized in that a channel is an AAL2 channel. 30. Device according to any of the preceding claims 16-29 characterized in that after a setup of more than one path, a path is respectively occupied completely with ATM- channels before starting to occupy an other path with ATM channels . 31. Device according to any of the pr .eceding claims 16-30 characterized in that a path release for at least one path in the network is initiated only if the path capacity currently used for transmission of information is below a threshold during at least a preset period of time or if it is on the average below a thresh- old during at least a preset period of time.

Inventors: FLUETER HERIBERT, FLUETER, HERIBERT
Applicants: SIEMENS AG, SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Application year: 2001
Main classification: H04Q11
IPC codes: H04L12, H04Q11