Apparatus and method for voice multiplexing in an asynchronous transfer mode network supporting voice and data service

Abstract

An apparatus and method for multiplexing voice packets to an ATM cell in an ATM network. Voice packets received from voice users to which voice calls have been connected are stored in a queue. An output rate controller determines a maximum number of ATM cells that can be transmitted during a predetermined control period according to information about the voice calls. When a voice packet is received at the queue, or when a predetermined operation period is reached, the output rate controller compares a number of ATM cells transmitted during the control period with the maximum number of ATM cells. If the number of transmitted ATM cells is less than the maximum number of ATM cells, the output rate controller requests a multiplexer to output an ATM cell. Then the multiplexer forms an ATM cell from stored voice packets by multiplexing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.