Router connections through switching networks using virtual circuits

摘要

A router routes data packets between local area networks. Upon receiving data packets, the router detects a destination for the data packets. Router processing circuitry within the router searches a routing table to obtain a routing table entry for the destination. When the routing table entry indicates that a virtual circuit is to be used to pass the data packets to a next hop router, the router obtains a phone number for the next hop router. The router then uses the phone number to establish connection with the next hop router over a switching network. The router then transfers the data packets to the next hop router over the established connection.