The roll of virtual path crossconnection

Abstract

The transport node techniques that will be the basis of broadband ISDN are discussed. The layered architecture of a transport network is described. The virtual path (VP) concept, which fully exploits asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) capabilities and provides the network with a powerful transport mechanism, is examined. The characteristics of the ATM crossconnect system that will be used to implement the VPs are outlined. The key VP benefits and the role of VP crossconnection for constructing a flexible and economical BISDN are discussed.< >