Xdsl-based internet access router

Abstract

An Internet protocol based system and method facilitate communication and improve the overall network performance between remote user terminals and Web servers across the parts of the Internet (or IP-based Intranets), that are configured by a communications network, including an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. In particular, the system includes a plurality of Local Area Networks (LANs), such as Ethernet LANs, each comprising a plurality of user terminals or PCs. The system further comprises at least one network switch (such as an ATM switch), and at least one digital subscriber line (xDSL) access router, each connected between a corresponding LAN and the network switch. The xDSL access routers function both as a router and a digital subscriber line multiplexor. Thus, each user terminal communicates directly with its default router, and vice-versa, obviating the requirement of communicating via the network switch (e.g., ATM switch) to the default IP edge routers. Further, in the case where Quality of Service is required, the xDSL access router serves as the default router for the Web server, and the physical path between the Web server and the terminal can be minimized to one pass through the network switch and thereby reducing traffic through the communications network.