PACKET PIPE ARCHITECTURE FOR ACCESS NETWORKS

摘要

A packet pipe architecture is disclosed for an access network (100) (e.g., provides access to an IP, ATM or similar packet-based network (118) in order to convey packet data traffic), whereby the network interfaces (B.1, B.2) with the packet pipe (106) are standardized so that any packet pipe that satisfies the interface requirements can be utilized in the same access network (100). Also, the packet pipe (106) uses a packet-based protocol stack with Quality of Service provisions for service delivery instead of the conventional best effort service delivery functions used. Consequently, the packet pipe (106) and access network (100) are capable of providing all of the numerous services available with an IP, ATM or similar packet-based network layered architecture.