A Layer-2 virtual private network arrangement and method is disclosed for switched virtual circuits. The switched virtual circuit Layer-2 VPN includes logical ports of two types, customer and provider, and port information tables to relate both types which provides simplified provisioning and a degree of customer autonomy regarding establishing virtual connections without the assistance of the service provider across the service provider's network. The switched virtual circuit Layer-2 VPN is particularly useful for overcoming the need for customers to store and manipulate provider addresses with respect to closed user groups as is done in existing Layer-2 VPNs known in the art.
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