Method of providing fractional path service on an ATM network

摘要

A method of routing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) connections in a network. A Virtual Path Index (VPI) and a Virtual Channel Index (VCI) identify connections in the network. The bits of the VPI and VCI are selectively allocated, allowing for an increased number of paths in the network. Fractional paths are thereby created, increasing the routing capabilities of the network. Multiplexing of paths in the network further enhances the network routing capability. Cells containing data are switched on the connections in the network. A plurality of tables in the ATM hardware stores a VPI value and a value representing the number of significant bits allocated to the VPI for the purpose of switching cells. Cells with the same VPI are routed over the same paths as dictated in part by the values in the corresponding tables.