Asynchronous transfer mode traffic shapers

A computer-implemented method for shaping the output of cells on an output path of a multi-level data transmitting device, the multi-level data transmitting device being configured for regulating the cells from a plurality of input paths to the output path to a network, comprising:

• sorting a plurality of queues in each level, each queue including a plurality of cells associated with a communication device, wherein the plurality of queues are arranged according to a weight and a data rate associated with each of the plurality of cells resulting in a plurality of sorted queues of queues, and wherein the sorting is performed based solely on inputs from the prior level;
• regulating an aggregate output of cells from all sorted queue of queues based upon the data rates of the plurality of queues of the each sorted queue of queues;
• and
• scheduling the regulated aggregate output of cells from each sorted queue of queues based upon a weight of the each sorted queue of queues, such that the scheduled output is coupled to the output path of each respective level to the next level;
• wherein the scheduled outputs to a plurality of characteristics of network connections, such that the network is efficiently used to carry the cells from the plurality of input paths to a plurality of communication devices, the plurality of input paths representing virtual connections.

A computer-implemented method for shaping the output of cells on an output path of a multi-level data transmitting device, the multi-level data transmitting device being configured for regulating the cells from a plurality of input paths to the output path to a network, comprising:

• sorting a plurality of queues in each level, each queue including a plurality of cells associated with a communication device, wherein the plurality of queues are arranged according to a weight and a data rate associated with each of the plurality of cells resulting in a plurality of sorted queues of queues, and wherein the sorting is performed based solely on inputs from the prior level;
• regulating an aggregate output of cells from all sorted queue of queues based upon the data rates of the plurality of queues of the each sorted queue of queues;
• and
• scheduling the regulated aggregate output of cells from each sorted queue of queues based upon a weight of the each sorted queue of queues, such that the scheduled output is coupled to the output path of each respective level to the next level;
• wherein the scheduled output conforms to a plurality of characteristics of network connections, such that the network is efficiently used to carry the cells from the plurality of input paths to a plurality of communication devices, the plurality of input paths representing virtual connections, and the data transmitting device is an ATM switch.