METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF MULTIPROTOCOL ENCAPSULATION FOR FR/ATM SERVICE INTERWORKING

摘要

The method, system and computer program product is provided which automatically detects multiprotocol encapsulation in a protocol data unit (PDU) to determine whether a Frame Relay/ATM (130) service interworking function should operate in translation or transparent mode. A multiprotocol encapsulation detection module first reads a control field value in a received PDU. The control field value is then compared to a predetermined value representative of the presence of multiprotocol encapsulation in the PDU. An indication of the detected presence of multiprotocol encapsulation in the PDU is then provided when the control field value equals the predetermined value. An FR/ATM (130) service interworking function module is operated in transparent mode when multiprotocol encapsulation has not been detected. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is compatible with FR/ATM (130) industry standards defined by an FRF.8 Frame Relay/ATM Forum Agreement. Service providers can now avoid preconfiguring the multiprotocol encapsulation mode type for every virtual connection established between Relay (120) and ATM (140) networks.