| 摘要 |
A networking approach is disclosed that combines the advantages of circuit switching and packet switching in an integrated communications network. With this approach, control signals are separated from the data and transmitted separately in a common control channel. Control and signaling operation can be viewed as a logical extension of generalized multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS). A variable number of data channels are dynamically assigned to each connection through the network. Channels are quickly switched in to accommodate the data flow through a connection and switched out when they are no longer needed. With this dynamic channel switching approach, a continuous data stream is not altered as it transverses the network and data channels are efficiently utilized even if the data source is bursty. The proposed approach is compatible with legacy networks and can provide a mechanism for convergence of circuit switching and packet switching. Most of the benefit of the proposed approach can be achieved with modifying only network and server equipment, but not necessarily client equipment, to support dynamic channel switching.
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