ABR --available bit rate. QoS class defined by the ATM Forum for ATM networks. ABR is used for connections that do not require timing relationships between source and destination. ABR provides no guarantees in terms of cell loss or delay, providing only best-effort service. Traffic sources adjust their transmission rate in response to information they receive describing the status of the network and its capability to successfully deliver data. Compare with CBR, UBR, and VBR.
CBR --constant bit rate. QoS class defined by the ATM Forum for ATM networks. CBR is used for connections that depend on precise clocking to ensure undistorted delivery. Compare with ABR, UBR, and VBR.
CLP --cell loss priority. Field in the ATM cell header that determines the probability of a cell being dropped if the network becomes congested. Cells with CLP = 0 are insured traffic, which is unlikely to be dropped. Cells with CLP = 1 are best-effort traffic, which might be dropped in congested conditions to free up resources to handle insured traffic.
PVC --permanent virtual circuit (or connection). Virtual circuit that is permanently established. PVCs save bandwidth associated with circuit establishment and tear down in situations where certain virtual circuits must exist all the time. In ATM terminology, called a permanent virtual connection. Compare with SVC. See also virtual circuit.
soft PVC --A PVC-SVC hybrid in which only the two terminating virtual connection links (VCLs) at either end are permanent and the rest of the VCLs are switched (SVC). Like the PVC, a soft PVC is permanent and the called party cannot drop the connection. Like the SVC, a soft PVC is automatically rerouted if a switch or link in the path fails.
SVC --switched virtual circuit. Virtual circuit that is dynamically established on demand and is torn down when transmission is complete. SVCs are used in situations where data transmission is sporadic. See also virtual circuit. Called a switched virtual connection in ATM terminology. Compare with PVC.
tagged traffic --ATM cells that have their CLP bit set to 1. If the network is congested, tagged traffic can be dropped to ensure the delivery of higher-priority traffic. Sometimes called DE traffic. See also CLP.
traffic policing --Process used to measure the actual traffic flow across a given connection and compare it to the total admissible traffic flow for that connection. Traffic outside of the agreed upon flow can be tagged (where the CLP bit is set to 1) and can be discarded en route if congestion develops. Traffic policing is used in ATM, Frame Relay, and other types of networks. Also known as admission control, permit processing, rate enforcement, and UPC. See also tagged traffic.
UBR --unspecified bit rate. QoS class defined by the ATM Forum for ATM networks. UBR allows any amount of data up to a specified maximum to be sent across the network but there are no guarantees in terms of cell loss rate and delay. Compare with ABR, CBR, and VBR.
UPC --usage parameter control. See traffic policing.
VBR --variable bit rate. QoS class defined by the ATM Forum for ATM networks. VBR is subdivided into a real time (RT) class and non-real time (NRT) class. VBR (RT) is used for connections in which there is a fixed timing relationship between samples. VBR (NRT) is used for connections in which there is no fixed timing relationship between samples but that still need a guaranteed QoS. Compare with ABR, CBR, and UBR.
virtual circuit --Logical circuit created to ensure reliable communication between two network devices. A virtual circuit is defined by a VPI/VCI pair, and can be either permanent (PVC) or switched (SVC). Virtual circuits are used in Frame Relay and X.25. In ATM, a virtual circuit is called a virtual channel. Sometimes abbreviated VC.