Systems and methods for connecting frame relay devices via an ATM network using a frame relay proxy signaling agent

An ATM network capable of transporting data between a first node and a second node each capable of transmitting and receiving frame relay data frames via a combination of a fixed connection and a switched virtual circuit connection, the ATM network comprising:

• a plurality of ATM switches;
• a connection controller capable of establishing said fixed connection between an ATM access device coupling said first node to said plurality of ATM switches and a first selected one of said ATM switches between said ATM access device and said second node;
• and
• a frame relay proxy controller disposed at said first selected ATM switch and adapted for communicating with said first node via said fixed connection established by said connection controller, wherein said frame relay proxy controller receives SVC signaling information from said first node via said fixed connection and establishes said SVC connection between said frame relay proxy controller and said second node.

For use in an ATM network capable of transporting data between a first node and a second node each operable to transmit and receive frame relay data frames, a method for servicing a combination of a fixed connection and a switched virtual circuit (SVC) connection between the first node and the second node, the method comprising the steps of:

• establishing said fixed connection between the first node, an ATM access device coupling the first node to the ATM network, and a selected intermediate node in the ATM network between the ATM access device and the second node;
• and
• receiving SVC signaling information from the first node via the fixed connection at a frame relay proxy controller disposed at the selected intermediate node;
• and
• establishing said SVC connection between the frame relay proxy controller and the second node.