Resource management in virtual private networks over ATM

After a brief review of a target broadband virtual private network (B-VPN) service and associated traffic and architecture considerations outlined in earlier studies, this paper addresses different resource management issues in B-VPN services. We draw attention to the need for statistical multiplexing on end-to-end connections and possibly on the virtual trunks composing a VPN. Different statistical multiplexing methods relying on signalling, network management, or ATM transfer capabilities, are discussed in the VPN context. It turns out that it is possible to design a VPN able to support the target B-VPN service on the basis of dormant connections activated or modified by means of the ATM block transfer capability.