The VC merging algorithm is used widely for multipoint to point ATM communication. For AAL5 lacking multiplex ID field, the downstream receiving point cannot distinguish the multiplexed source in a multipoint to point VC after VC merging. So the source based rate distribution algorithms cannot work properly. We designed a source detection algorithm to enable the switch to know the number of sources and the cell rate of each source in a multipoint to point VC. These information is very important for the source based rate distribution algorithm. We used the ERICA algorithm in our simulations and the simulations demonstrated the proper operation of the source detection algorithm. The AAC5 lacking multiplex ID field, the downstream receiving point can not distinguish the multiplexed source in a multipoint to point VC after VC merging. So the source based rate distribution algorithms can not work properly We designed a source detection algorithm to enable the switch to know the number of sources and the cell rate of each source in a multipoint to point VC. These information is very important for the source based rate distribution algorithm. We used the ERICA algorithm in our simulations and the simulations demonstrated the proper operation of the source detection algorithm.