Distributed virtual path

Abstract

The present invention that provides a network topology for an ATM network. The topology includes a source network element, at least one intermediate network element, and a distributed virtual path connecting the source network element and the intermediate network elements. The distributed virtual path includes a virtual circuit that originates from the source network element and a virtual circuit that originates from at least one of the intermediate network elements. The distributed virtual path originates from the source network element and may terminate on a destination network element or on the source network element (thereby forming a ring). The network elements may be, for example, computers, satellites or other communications devices.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A network topology for an ATM network, the network topology comprising: 
 a source network element;    at least one intermediate network element; and    a distributed virtual path connecting said source network element and said intermediate network elements, said distributed virtual path including a virtual circuit originating from said source network element and a virtual circuit originating from at least one of said intermediate network elements.    
     
     
         2 . The network topology of  claim 1 , wherein said distributed virtual path originates from said source network element and terminates at said source network element.  
     
     
         3 . The network topology of  claim 1 , wherein said distributed virtual path originates from said source network elements and terminates at a destination network element distinct from said source network element.  
     
     
         4 . The network topology of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said network elements is a computer.  
     
     
         5 . The network topology of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said network elements is a satellite.  
     
     
         6 . The network topology of  claim 3 , wherein said destination network element performs bandwidth allocation for said distributed virtual path.  
     
     
         7 . The network topology of  claim 1 , wherein said distributed virtual path is unidirectional.  
     
     
         8 . A method of arranging distributed virtual paths within an ATM network, the method comprising: 
 establishing a source network element for a distributed virtual path;    establishing at least one intermediate network element for said distributed virtual path; and    connecting said source network element to at least one of said intermediate network elements using a distributed virtual path;    establishing a virtual circuit originating from said source network element; and    establishing a virtual circuit originating from at least one of said intermediate network elements.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of connecting further comprises: 
 connecting said distributed virtual path back to said source network element.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , the method further comprising: 
 establishing a destination network element for said distributed virtual path; and    terminating said distributed virtual path at said destination network element.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting to at least one computer.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of connecting further comprises connecting to at least one satellite.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , the method further comprising the step of: 
 performing bandwidth allocation for said distributed virtual path at said destination network element.    
     
     
         14 . A distributed virtual path comprising: 
 a virtual path including a virtual circuit originating from a source network element and a virtual circuit originating from at least one intermediate network element.    
     
     
         15 . The distributed virtual path of  claim 14 , wherein said distributed virtual path originates from said source network element and terminates at said source network element.  
     
     
         16 . The distributed virtual path of  claim 14 , wherein said distributed virtual path originates from said source network elements and terminates at a destination network element distinct from said source network element.  
     
     
         17 . The distributed virtual path of  claim 14 , wherein said distributed virtual path is unidirectional.