Description: This attribute indicates whether the path for this PLC was determined automatically or by static provisioning. Normal pathTypes are selected automatically by Route Selector.The other pathTypes are both manual pathTypes where the operator must specify, through provisioning, a static route termed the manualPath. A manual pathType connection is nearly identical to a normal path type connection with the exception that the route is pre-provisioned. For a manual pathType, bandwidth reservations are respected along the path exactly as in a normal path. The last type, the forced pathType, is also a manual path but regardless of the bandwidth available the route is granted provided the trunks are operational and there are sufficient Logical Channels (LChs).

The forced pathType could result in over committing the reserved bandwidth allowed on a trunk. A better way to achieve the effects of a forced pathType is to use a manual pathType with setupPriority = 0 and holdingPriority = 0. In this manner the path will reserve correct bandwidth and it will bump other paths if required while not being bumped itself.