Appendix B Virtual Circuit Topology - ZyXEL Communications Prestige 861H-G1 User Manual

ATM is a connection-oriented technology, meaning that it sets up virtual circuits over which end
systems communicate. The terminology for virtual circuits is as follows:
•
Virtual Channel
•
Virtual Path
•
Virtual Circuit
Think of a virtual path as a cable that contains a bundle of wires. The cable connects two points
and wires within the cable provide individual circuits between the two points. In an ATM cell
header, a VPI (Virtual Path Identifier) identifies a link formed by a virtual path; a VCI (Virtual
Channel Identifier) identifies a channel within a virtual path.
The VPI and VCI identify a virtual path, that is, termination points between ATM switches. A
series of virtual paths make up a virtual circuit.
Your service provider should supply you with VPI/VCI numbers.
Virtual Circuit Topology
Virtual Circuit Topology
Logical connections between ATM switches
A bundle of virtual channels
A series of virtual paths between circuit end points
Diagram B-1 Virtual Circuit Topology
Prestige 861H User's Guide
Appendix B
B-1