XDSL-BASED INTERNET ACCESS ROUTER

摘要

An Internet Protocol based system (100) and method facilitate communication and improve the network performance between remote user terminals (15) and Web servers (28), that are configured by a communication network, including an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network (22). The system includes Local Area Networks (LANs) (12), each comprising a plurality of user terminals (15). The system further comprises at least one network switch (22), and at least one digital subscriber line (xDSL) multiplexor and access router (120), each connected between a corresponding LAN and the network switch. Thus, each user communicates directly with its default router obviating the requirement of communicating via the network switch to the default IP edge routers (126). Further, where Quality of Service is required, the xDSL access router serves as the default router for the Web server. XDSL access router helps to reduce the processing load on the Internet edge routers.