Interconnection system and method for heterogeneous networks

摘要

In a network system in which an interconnection is achieved between an LAN terminal connected to an LAN and an ISDN terminal linked with an ISDN via at least an LAN/ISDN inter-working unit coupling the LAN with the ISDN, the ISDN terminal develops a function to multiplex data link connections (communication paths) identified with respective data link connection identifiers (DLCIs) on ISDN channels. After conducting a call establishment to the ISDN terminal, the inter-working unit supplies the LAN terminal with an ISDN channel number and a DLCI designating an ISDN communication path. Thereafter, the LAN terminal sends an LAN frame having an OSI layer 2 header loaded with the communication path information to the inter-working unit. On receiving the LAN frame, the inter-working unit executes a format conversion to convert the LAN frame into an ISDN frame based on the ISDN communication path information.