초록 ▼

A system comprises a system control module and a plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches the interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches are interconnected with one another via at least one physical interface to form a network. The network is used to transfer various t

A system comprises a system control module and a plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches the interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches are interconnected with one another via at least one physical interface to form a network. The network is used to transfer various types of information. Each asynchronous transfer mode switch has a connection admission control module to determine whether a virtual connection, such a virtual path, virtual channel, or grouping of virtual paths, can be connected through that particular asynchronous transfer mode switch. The virtual connection is formed from one asynchronous transfer mode switch to at least one other asynchronous transfer mode switch via a link of the at least one physical interface. The system control module connects to at least one asynchronous transfer mode switch and determines whether the virtual connection can be created in the network. A process of monitoring a utilization level of a grouping of a virtual path on a physical interface comprises checking the utilization level of the virtual path, updating an amount of available bandwidth for the virtual path, and comparing the amount of available bandwidth with a maximum threshold for the available bandwidth and setting an overload condition if the amount exceeds the maximum threshold and clearing the overload condition if the amount is below the maximum threshold. Service contracts governing a client's use of the network and ability to set up a virtual connection are also be checked in certain circumstances.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A system, comprising:(a) a plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches that are interconnected with one another via at least one physical interface to form a network, said network used to transfer various types of information, each interconnected asynchro

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A system, comprising:(a) a plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches that are interconnected with one another via at least one physical interface to form a network, said network used to transfer various types of information, each interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switch of said plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches having a connection admission control module to determine whether a virtual connection can be connected through that particular interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switch of said plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches, said virtual connection connecting one interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switch of said plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches to at least one other interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switch of said plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches via a link of said at least one physical interface; and(b) a system control module connected to at least one interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switch of said plurality of interconnected asynchronous transfer mode switches, said system control module determines whether said virtual connection can be created in said network, wherein said system control module on an on-going basis determines whether said network is in an overload condition and said system control module also checks said overload condition and determines whether said virtual connection can be set up for said network and further wherein said virtual connection is comprised of at least one virtual path group and each virtual path group of said at least one virtual path group is comprised of at least one virtual path and further wherein each virtual path group has a first utilization level and each virtual path has a second utilization level and said system control module checks said second utilization level of each virtual path in one virtual path group and then said first utilization level of said virtual path group to establish said overload condition.