Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)

ATM is a member of the fast packet-switching family called cell relay. An evolution from many other set of protocols that was develop in 1992.It is designed to carry any form of traffic an enables the traffic to be delivered asynchronously to the network.

ATM techniques is more like a combination of TDM with cells using preassigned slots, an statistical TDM with cells using whatever slots are available.

Comparing ATM to other technologies, ATM can be used in LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN. Comparing it to Frame Relay, which was discussed in my previous topic, frame relay can only be used in Wide Area Networks. Dial-up network as well as leased lines are also limited MAN and WAN.

One of the many Features and Functions of the ATM is that it is a single technology which is capable of handling voice, data, video, and multimedia. Also, Its Bandwidth is always available as needed. It is also scalable and its quality of service is well defined. it also has its management systems and services prebuilt into ATM and it is a Hardware-based switching instead of complicated routing and software schemes.

When dealing with traffic management, Some of the goals of the ATM is that, it has to be flexible. It must meet the diverse needs of the end-user population. It must be cost efficient. Robustness in the event of failure or in the event of excess demand is a requirement of the traffic management goals.