ATM concepts, architectures, and protocols

ABSTRACT

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is often described as the future computer networking paradigm that will bring high-speed communications to the desktop. What is ATM? How is it different from today's networking technologies? This article is intended to acquaint readers with this emerging technology and describe some of the concepts embodied within it. In order to understand why ATM was created and how it works, we first need to review a bit of computer networking history.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design
          Subjects: Circuit-switching networks

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

General Terms:
Design, Performance, Standardization