Integrating switching and facility networks using ATM

At a first edge node, a method of setting up a communication from the first edge node, across a network that uses direct virtual path routing, to a second edge node, comprising the steps of:

• a. receiving a request to set up the communication;
• b. identifying the second edge node as the destination of the communication, based on the request;
• c. obtaining a first virtual path identifier VPI that defines a first path from the first edge node across the network to the second edge node, and a second VPI that defines a second path from the second edge node across the network to the first edge node, wherein the first and second VPIs are selected by a routing status database;
• d. selecting a second virtual channel identifier VCI within the second VPI;
• and
• e. sending a setup message to the second edge node that includes the identity of the first and second VPIs and the second VCI;
• f. receiving from the second edge node a message that relates to a first VCI within the first VPI;
• and
• g. transmitting data to the second edge node using the first VPI and first VCI, and receiving data from the second edge node using the second VPI and second VCI.

At a second edge node, a method of setting up a communication from a first edge node, across a network that uses direct virtual path routing, to the second edge node, comprising the steps of:

• a. receiving a setup message from the first edge node that defines a first virtual path identifier VPI that defines a first path from the first edge node across the network to the second edge node, a second VPI that defines a second path from the second edge node across the network to the first edge node, and a second virtual channel identifier VCI within the second VPI, wherein the first and second VPIs were selected by a routing status database;
• b. making a decision relating to a first VCI within the first VPI;
• c. sending a message to the first edge node relating to the first VCI;
• and
• d. transmitting data to the first edge node using the second VPI and second VCI, and receiving data from the first edge node using the first VPI and first VCI.

A first edge node, comprising:

• a memory that stores instructions for
• 1. receiving a request to set up a communication;
• 2. identifying a second edge node as the destination of the communication, based on the request;
• 3. obtaining a first virtual path identifier VPI that defines a first path from the first edge node across a network to the second edge node, and a second VPI that defines a second path from the second edge node across the network to the first edge node, wherein the first and second VPIs are selected by a routing status database;
• 4. selecting a second virtual channel identifier VCI within the second VPI;
• 5. sending a setup message to the second edge node that includes the identity of the first and second VPIs and the second VCI;
• 6. receiving from the second edge node a message that relates to a first VCI within the first VPI;
• and
• 7. transmitting data to the second edge node using the first VPI and first VCI, and receiving data from the second edge node using the second VPI and second VCI;
• a processor adapted to communicate with the memory and to execute the instructions stored by the memory;
• and
• a port adapted to communicate with the processor, the memory, and the second edge node.

A second edge node, comprising:

• a memory that stores instructions for
• 1. receiving a setup message from a first edge node that defines a first virtual path identifier VPI that defines a first path from the first edge node across a network to the second edge node, a second VPI that defines a second path from the second edge node across the network to the first edge node, and a second virtual channel identifier VCI within the second VPI, wherein the first and second VPIs were selected by a routing status database;
• 2. making a decision relating a first VCI within the first VPI;
• 3. sending a message to the first edge node relating to the first VCI;
• and
• 4. transmitting data to the first edge node using the second VPI and second VCI, and receiving data from the first edge node using the first VPI and first VCI;
• a processor adapted to communicate with the memory and to execute the instructions stored by the memory;
• and
• a port adapted to communicate with the processor, the memory, and the first edge node.