초록 ▼

A computer communications network comprises a plurality of interconnected ATM switches forming a WAN or LAN area network over which ATM cells are transmitted, and a plurality of user devices including LAN interface adapters for connection to one or more to local area networks (LANs). An interface de

A computer communications network comprises a plurality of interconnected ATM switches forming a WAN or LAN area network over which ATM cells are transmitted, and a plurality of user devices including LAN interface adapters for connection to one or more to local area networks (LANs). An interface device connects at least some of the respective ATM switches to the LAN interface adapters. The interface adapts the ATM cells for transport over the LANS. The user devices can thus communicate through the LAN interface adapters transparently with the wide area network.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A computer communications system comprising:an ATM network over which ATM cells are transmitted trough a plurality of interconnected ATM switches;a plurality of user devices attached to the system at least some of said user devices including LAN interface adapters for connection to

[ We claim:] [1.] A computer communications system comprising:an ATM network over which ATM cells are transmitted trough a plurality of interconnected ATM switches;a plurality of user devices attached to the system at least some of said user devices including LAN interface adapters for connection to said ATM network through one or more local area networks (LANs);interface means between said ATM network and said user devices storing the location of said user devices, said interface means between said ATM network and said user devices that are connected to LANs adapting LAN traffic for transport to and from said ATM network; anda centralized route server connected to said ATM network storing address data pertaining to the location of said user devices attached to the system, said centralized route server exchanging data over said ATM network with said interface means to learn the locations of said user devices and to distribute such information to said user devices so as to permit said interface means to establish direct transparent communication on demand using a dynamic mesh of ATM connections between a said user device connected thereto and another said user device attached to the system.