Method and apparatus for efficient signaling in an ATM environment

An asynchronous transfer mode multiplexer (ATM MUX) for use in an ATM network and interposed between a plurality of downstream devices and an ATM switch, said ATM MUX comprising:

• a plurality of downstream ports, with each downstream port capable of being operatively coupled to one of said plurality of downstream devices;
• an upstream port capable of being operatively coupled to said ATM switch;
• a memory storing in-use call reference numbers (CRNs) that identify current connections between said ATM MUX and specific downstream devices;
• and
• a processor configured to obtain from said memory an initial CRN included in a received ATM message originating from a particular downstream device, to compare said initial CRN with said in-use CRNs, and to assign a new CRN to said ATM message and to said particular downstream device if said initial CRN is being concurrently utilized by said ATM MUX to identify a different downstream device.

A method of multiplexing a plurality of ATM end devices to an ATM switch in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) system, said method comprising the steps of:

• receiving in a multiplexer (MUX) an ATM setup message from a particular ATM end device, said MUX including a single connection to said ATM switch and a plurality of connections to said plurality of ATM end devices, and with said ATM setup message including an initial call reference number (CRN);
• comparing said initial CRN to in-use CRNs stored in said MUX, with said initial CRN being generated by said particular ATM end device;
• generating and storing a new CRN for said ATM setup message and said particular ATM end device if said initial CRN is being concurrently utilized by said MUX to identify a different ATM end device;
• and
• routing said ATM setup message through said MUX to said ATM switch;
• wherein said initial CRN or said new CRN uniquely identifies said particular ATM end device and said ATM setup message.