Method and apparatus for queuing and triggering data flow streams for ATM networks

An improved method and apparatus are provided for queuing and triggering the flow of data across ATM networks. A connection is established between an insertion server and a client multiplexer. The insertion server prepares a timing response and establishes a transmit queue threshold for a pending trigger point for inserting data. The insertion server enqueues data. Responsive to receiving a timing request from the client multiplexer, the insertion server sends the timing response. Responsive to receiving a stream request from the client multiplexer, the insertion server transfers the enqueued data. The client multiplexer includes a timer for identifying an offset time between sending the timing request and receiving a timing response from the insertion server. The client multiplexer uses the offset time to set a count down timer for sending the stream request. The client multiplexer processes the data transferred by the insertion server and optionally sends a stop stream command to the insertion server.