Switching matrix for interconnecting an access network and operator networks

摘要

A switching matrix connects to an access network and a set of at least two operator networks. A controller performs a method of establishing new connections across the switching matrix in response to new connection requests. The new connection requests involve a sub-set of the set of operator networks. The controller determines if the new connections can be established across the switching matrix by rearranging only existing connections across the switching matrix to the sub-set of operator networks and, in response, establishes the at least one new connection. Otherwise, the controller rearranges existing connections across the switching matrix to at least one other of the set of operator networks to establish the new connections. The controller minimizes the number of other operator networks which are involved when rearranging existing connections. The switching matrix can be a Clos switching matrix.

主权项

1. A method of controlling a switching matrix which connects to an access network and a set of at least two operator networks, the switching matrix having existing connections established between subscriber terminals and the operator networks; the method comprising:
receiving at least one new request for a new connection between a subscriber terminal in the access network and one of the operator networks, the at least one new request involving a sub-set of the set of operator networks; and establishing the at least one new connection across the switching matrix by:
determining if the at least one new connection can be established across the switching matrix by rearranging only existing connections across the switching matrix to the sub-set of operator networks and, in response, establishing the at least one new connection; otherwise, rearranging existing connections across the switching matrix to at least one other of the set of operator networks to establish the at least one new connection.