Transparent interconnector of LANs by an ATM network

A computer communications system comprising:

• an ATM network over which ATM cells are transmitted trough a plurality of interconnected ATM switches;
• a plurality of user devices attached to the system at least some of said user devices including LAN interface adapters for connection to said ATM network through one or more local area networks (LANs);
• interface means between said ATM network and said user devices storing the location of said user devices, said interface means between said ATM network and said user devices that are connected to LANs adapting LAN traffic for transport to and from said ATM network;
• and
• a centralized route server connected to said ATM network storing address data pertaining to the location of said user devices attached to the system, said centralized route server exchanging data over said ATM network with said interface means to learn the locations of said user devices and to distribute such information to said user devices so as to permit said interface means to establish direct transparent communication on demand using a dynamic mesh of ATM connections between a said user device connected thereto and another said user device attached to the system.