Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A routing method routes cells which are transferred through one of a plurality of paths within an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching system selected by routing information. The routing method includes the steps of adding first routing information to incoming cells at an input stage of the ATM switching system when supplying the cells to the ATM switching system, generating a route switching confirmation cell in response to a route switching instruction and for adding second routing information to incoming cells thereafter so as to supply the route switching confirmation cell and the cells added with the second routing information to the ATM switching system. The second routing information is different from the first routing information and is determined by the route switching instruction, comparing routing information. The method also includes the cells with the second routing information at an output stage of the ATM switching system in response to the route switching instruction, and outputting each cell from the ATM switching system having routing information different from the second routing information as it is. The method also includes temporarily storing each cell from the ATM switching system having routing information identical to the second routing information and reading out and outputting the stored cell after the route switching confirmation cell is output from the ATM switching system.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim