virtual channel (ATM) (VC)
ATM has virtual paths( VP) consisting of several virtual channels( VC).
A virtual channel is the logical connection for the transport of ATM cells between two or more points. These can be end-to-end connections, or connections between subscribers and network nodes, or connections between network nodes.
The virtual channel is defined by the identification field( VCI) in the header of the ATM cell. Depending on the connection type, the VCI field can be rewritten in ATM exchanges. The identification of the cells provides a unique treatment of the ATM cells on the ATM layer in all network components.