Method and apparatus for forming a virtual circuit

摘要

An improved method and apparatus for automatically forming a virtual circuit in an ATM switch is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the virtual circuit may be used to transport an ATM data cell included in an associated communication session. The disclosed method includes the following operative steps. First, a configuration cell is created. Next the virtual circuit is formed by passing the configuration cell to a destination node by way of at least one connective node. The configuration cell updates and validates an associated connection table capable of defining a virtual link. The virtual link being part of the virtual circuit.