Connectivity Management in ATM Networks

Abstract

The paper describes a generalized model of logical connectivity among user entities through ATM based backbone networks. The model is based on tree-structured communication channels connecting data sources and destinations residing in ‘access’ network, with routing functions in one or more cell switching nodes and transport paths over the intervening VP links of the ‘core’ network. The model adopts a functional binding of channels to cell routing procedures and cell flow handlers installed at various nodes. The cell address, carried as VCI, may be mapped at each node traversed by the cell to a local flow handler and a route the defines the VP links incident on this node. The model also treats the multicast and unicast transport of cells in a uniform manner. The connectivity model will be useful for the evolving technologies of WAN/MANs to support multi-service applications (e.g., video conferencing, digital TV broadcast).