Virtual circuit identifier

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A Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI) is a unique identifier which indicates a particular virtual circuit on a network. It is a 16-bit field in the header of an ATM cell. The VCI, together with the VPI (Virtual Path Identifier) 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 VCL (Virtual Channel Link) 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 DLCI in Frame Relay and the Logical Channel Number & Logical Channel Group Number in X.25.

References

Cisco Systems "Multiband Switch and Service Configuration"

See also

Virtual Path Identifier

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