Communicating with virtual paths and virtual channels
R. Bubenik, M.E. Gaddis, John DeHart · 1992
We compare virtual path and virtual channel connections in ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) networks. Both types of connection can be used to support one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many communication between clients of the network. We give several examples of their use for these types of communication, then compare the two mechanisms. For most types of communication, both virtual path and virtual channel connections are more-or-less equally capable. However, for relatively high bandwidth communication involving more than five to ten participants, virtual path connections can more efficiently support some interconnection patterns. In general, we believe that both connection types are desirable and both should be extended to the client by network providers.