Router for supporting ima function in a mobile communication network

Abstract

The present invention relates to a router supporting an Inverse Multiplexing over ATM (IMA) function in a mobile communication network. The router in accordance with the present invention comprises a CPU for converting a plurality of Ethernet packets inputted from network processors connected to subscribers into ATM cells and outputting the converted ATM cells, and for converting a plurality of ATM cells inputted from the CPU into Ethernet packets and disturbing the converted Ethernet packets to the network processors; an ATM multiplexer/demultiplexer connected to the CPU for multiplexing or demultiplexing the ATM cells; an IMA processor connected to the ATM multiplexer/demultiplexer for converting the ATM cells inputted from the ATM multiplexer/demultiplexer into Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) packets and grouping the PCM packets, and for converting the grouped PCM packets into ATM cells and outputting the converted ATM cells to the ATM multiplexer/demultiplexer, and a line interface unit for transmitting the grouped PCM packets to a general network via a line (e.g., E1 or T1) and outputting grouped PCM packets inputted from the general network to the IMA processor. Because the router of the present invention incorporates the CSU/DSU and IMA functions therein, data services can be provided in a bandwidth broader than the E1/T1 bandwidth.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.