RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR MULTI-SERVICE GATEWAYS

A method of processing a request for a connection through a multi-service gateway and a multi-service gateway for performing the method. The method includes allocating resources from a resource pool as a function of a usage level of the pool, as a function of a priority level of the connection request and as a function of an occupancy threshold associated with the pool. In particular, if the usage level of the resources in the pool is below the occupancy threshold, processing resources are allocated to satisfy the connection request. However, if the usage level of the resources in the pool is not below the occupancy threshold, resources may or may not be allocated to satisfy the connection request, depending on the priority level of the connection request. As a result, the multi-service gateway of the present invention affords a significant increase in the proportion of packet-switched ports which are available for use, while the effect on blocking probability under common traffic mix conditions can be kept to within reasonable limits by suitable selection of the occupancy threshold.