Real-time virtual circuit management for the integrated services architecture

Supporting the integrated services architecture (ISA) in an IP to asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) edge device opens up new possibilities for the management of quality of service flows over virtual circuits. This work proposes a unified model based on the four virtual circuit (VC) management models proposed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF); the aggregate, homogeneous, full and limited heterogeneity models. A setup strategy with transitioning techniques between individual models is presented.