Example: Permanent virtual circuit (PVC)

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Example: Permanent virtual circuit (PVC)

Besides using switching and call message signaling to create circuits on demand between any two possible users, you can also permanently configure an ATM virtual circuit between any two specified service endpoints on an ATM network.

PVCs are used extensively by public ATM service providers to create and establish a complex ATM-based infrastructure for their internal networks. In many cases, the internal ATM infrastructure of the network is built using PVCs with actual end-to-end connections occurring over SVCs.

PVCs can also be useful in some private ATM networks where the following types of situations exist:

  • A large campus LAN migrating to a higher-speed ATM backbone. In backbone configurations, connections typically represent a few static configurable switch paths that infrequently change, so permanent configuration of ATM circuits is acceptable.

  • A small WAN with a limited number of sites, each requiring a continuous, dedicated high-speed connection that guarantees a fixed quality of service between site locations. With a circuit permanently established, the ATM switches at both WAN sites do not require the added latency and overhead of using call signaling or connection setup and teardown each time ATM cell traffic data is sent over the network. Sent data can be directly forwarded over PVCs established between each site.