Networking Explained, Second Edition
An in-depth explanation of all things networking.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Networking Explained, Second Edition
Chapter 14: Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
Overview
In this chapter, we provide an introduction to asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), which is a high-speed switching network architecture created in the late 1980s/early 1990s. ATM was designed expressly to combine the delivery of a wide range of services (data, voice, and video) over a single network. We briefly examined ATM from various perspectives in nearly every chapter of this book. It is now time to present a more detailed discussion of this technology. An outline of the major topics we discuss follows:
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Definition and History of ATM (Questions 1 3)
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General Concepts and Operation of ATM (Questions 4 7)
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ATM Interfaces and the Anchorage Accord (Questions 8 10)
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ATM Components and Addressing (Questions 11 13, 22)
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ATM Cells, Switches, and Virtual Connections (Questions 14 22)
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ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL) (Questions 23 26)
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Data Types Insights (Questions 27 29)
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ATM vs. Gigabit Ethernet (Questions 30 32)
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ATM in LAN Environments (Questions 33 34)
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ATM, Frame Relay, and SONET (Questions 35 36)
Definition and History of ATM
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What is ATM?
Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is a sophisticated, multispeed network environment that provides a variety of complex network services for applications requiring various types of network solutions. It can be used to carry data, voice and video separately or simultaneously over the same network path, and is one of the most complex communications technologies available today for public or private network infrastructures. ATM can be used in LANs, MANs, and WANs, all at the same time if needed. Using terminology developed in previous chapters, ATM might also be considered a "hyphenated" protocol it...
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