A call model for multipoint communication in switched networks

A call model designed for switched asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks is described. The model provides network clients with multipoint, multiconnection communication channels, which are denoted as calls. Calls are allowed to change dynamically during their lifetime, in terms of the number of participants, the number of connections and the bandwidth of the connections. Clients create, manage and manipulate calls using the connection management access protocol. The call model provides basic interconnection services suitable for local and wide area networks, where more sophisticated services can be layered over this substrate.<>