System, method and switch for an MPLS network and an ATM network

摘要

A communication system. The system includes an MPLS network. The system includes a modified ATM network connected to the MPLS network on which MPLS packets can travel. A switch for switching MPLS packets and ATM cells in a network. The switch includes input ports for receiving MPLS packets and ATM cells from the network. Each MPLS packet has a first label for directing the packet to a desired switch and a second label for directing the packet in the switch to a desired outport in the switch. The system includes output ports for sending MPLS packets and ATM cells to the network. The system includes a mechanism for reviewing the second label of the packet while maintaining the first label with the packet. The reviewing mechanism is connected to the input ports and the output ports. A method for transmitting packets in a communications network. The method includes the steps of sending an MPLS packet on an MPLS network to a first switch connected to a modified ATM network and the MPLS network. Then there is the step of transferring the MPLS packet to a second switch of the ATM network with the first switch through the ATM network.