Method to exchange resource capability information across network peers

A method and apparatus to exchange resource capability information between two network peers. The signaling protocol is used to encapsulate resource capability information as a datagram within a user-definable data protocol data unit. In an ATM network using the SSCOP signaling protocol, the UD PDU may be used as a transport mechanism for resource capability information that cannot be exchanged via the ILMI protocol. VPI/VCI range information for a partitioned link may be encapsulated as a datagram within the UD PDU and exchange between nodes via the SSCOP. SSCOP UD PDU datagrams may be used in accordance with the present invention to exchange resource capability information between nodes. Alternatively, SSCOP UD PDU datagrams may be used to validate information exchanged via the ILMI protocol.