Virtual channel multicast utilizing virtual path tunneling in asynchronous mode transfer networks

The present invention relates generally to data communications networks and more particularly relates to an apparatus for and a method of providing VP multicasting in an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network utilizing VP tunneling. VC multicast implementation scheme utilizing VP tunneling over public ATM VP switched networks utilizing PP and PM connections to provide VC multicast capability to the attached private ATM networks. The border ATM VC switch in each private ATM network is connected to the ATM VP switch in the public ATM network via a physical interface adapted to carry one or more PP VP tunnels. A PP VP tunnel is established from each VC switch to all other VC switches connected to the public ATM network. A dedicated PM VP tunnel is established between the source VC switch to each of the destination VC switches connected to the public ATM network. For each multicast connection to be established, a VPI/VCI value pair is allocated over the dedicated PM VP tunnel used to transmit data associated with all PM calls for all the PP VP tunnels carried by the physical interface.