Multiple-availability-level ATM network architecture

Because of their high flexibility, ATM networks have the potential to achieve two objectives: switch cost reduction and multi-level network availability. For that purpose, this article proposes to use virtual circuit (VC) route self-healing schemes to achieve a multiple-availability-level ATM network. Flexible multi-QoS logical ATM network (Full-Net), a new concept for ATM networks, is now being studied at NTT Laboratories. Full-Net is a very flexible network design strategy for survivable networks that is based on a self-healing VC network. Defining several logical configurations of the VC network allows us to support multiple levels of network availability, simplifies the adaptation to future and unknown service requirements, and significantly reduces overall ATM network cost. Offering different levels of availability not only saves the network´s resources, but also allows the network operator to provide its customers with services at the most appropriate cost. We introduce the advantages of VC route restoration for ATM networks, and compare virtual path (VP) level and physical level restoration strategies. We explain Full-Net´s concept, propose a VC route self-healing scheme, and show the impact of the logical network configurations on network survivability and resource management