ATM advanced operation and management functions for B-ISDN

ATM transport networks will be constructed using the virtual path scheme. Virtual path OAM functions compare considered to enhance the ATM transport networks. Five virtual path OAM functions are proposed: maintenance signal transfer, testing, tracing, performance monitoring, and hitless line switching. The OAM cell drop and insert technique that does not interrupt live traffic is introduced, and the above OAM functions are realized in a prototype ATM transport system. Test results are also shown and the advantages of the VP OAM functions are verified.