Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A system and method for managing switched virtual circuits in a virtual circuit switched network. A preferred embodiment method for managing switched virtual circuits comprises determining that a switched virtual circuit has been established in a virtual circuit switched network by a network access device, monitoring the switched virtual circuit while the switched virtual circuit is active, and storing bandwidth and duration information for the switched virtual circuit upon termination of the switched virtual circuit. Another preferred embodiment method comprises receiving a request for establishing the switched virtual circuit from a network access device, generating connection parameters for establishing the switched virtual circuit in the virtual circuit switched network, and sending a reply including the connection parameters to the network access device. A preferred embodiment network management system comprises a network access device gateway having an interface to a network access device in the virtual circuit switched network, a network administrator database connected to the gateway, the database including rules and objects representing characteristics of the virtual circuit switched network, and a rule engine connected to the gateway and having access to the rules and objects in the database. The present invention enables end users to request and use switched virtual circuits and realize the benefits in cost and efficiency over private virtual circuits, and providing service providers with increased bandwidth utilization and improved profitability.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim