<title>Virtual circuit management at IP-ATM network interface with control operating policy</title>

ATM is a connection oriented network while IP is based on a connectionless protocol. Connecting the two networks requires protocol conversion. When IP packets arrive at the interconnection between the two networks, signalling is used to open a switched virtual circuit on the ATM side. In this paper, we look at the management of the ATM connection with a view to reducing the cost of the connection. We develop and compare the cost functions of three connections management policies: the delayed vacation policy, the control operating policy and the permanent virtual circuit. Furthermore, we have developed the conditions under which the control operating policy (COP) will be more cost effective than the other two policies. We conclude that there always exists some condition under which the COP will be better than the other two policies.