|
virtual channel identifier
A
16-bit field in the header of an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cell. The
VCI, together with the virtual path identifier (VPI), is used to identify the
next destination of a cell as it passes through a series of ATM switches on its
way to its destination. ATM switches use the VPI/VCI fields to identify the
virtual channel link (VCL) of the next network that a cell needs to transit on
its way to its final destination. The function of the VCI is similar to that of
the data-link connection identifier (DLCI0) in Frame Relay. Compare to
DLCI. See also VCLand VPI.
|