System and method for provisioning virtual circuits in broadband access multiplexing elements

A system for provisioning virtual circuits in broadband access multiplexing elements, comprising:

• a processor operative to execute computer executable instructions;
• and
• a memory having stored therein computer executable instructions for performing the following steps:
• selecting a multiplexing element input port for use;
• determining if the selected input port has been previously selected for use;
• if the input has not been previously selected, then assigning to the input port a virtual path identifier and a virtual circuit identifier selected from a pool of available virtual path identifiers and available virtual circuit identifiers;
• and
• if the input port has been previously selected, then assigning to the input port its previously assigned virtual path identifier and virtual circuit identifier.

A system for provisioning virtual circuits in broadband access multiplexing elements, comprising:

• a means for selecting a multiplexing element input port for use;
• a means for determining if the selected input port has been previously selected for use;
• and
• a means for assigning to the input port a virtual path identifier and a virtual circuit identifier selected from a pool of available virtual path identifiers and available virtual circuit identifiers if the input has not been previously selected;
• and
• a means for assigning to the input port its previously assigned virtual path identifier and virtual circuit identifier if the input port has been previously selected.