| 摘要 |
<p>In a broadband network comprising a plurality of edge switches interconnected by a plurality of tandem switches, IP packet data is routed by determining from each packet whether that packet forms part of a flow of packets. Where a packet is determined to be part of a flow, it is segmented into minicells for transmission over a permanent virtual channel established across the network for that flow. Where a packet is not determined to be part of a flow, a destination edge switch is identified for that packet which is then transported to that edge switch via a default permanent virtual channel. Permanent virtual channels for new flows are established at the network periphery by defining a succession of nodes and virtual channels (VCs) to be used to reach the destination of that flow.</p> |
