This paper looks at Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
networks and switches including the problems associated with the old
existing
networks and the introduction of Broadband Integrated Networks. The paper also compares ATM networks with the traditional circuit and packet switching systems as well as discussing different categories of ATM switches and buffering schemes. Outline Origins of ATM Evolution to a Broadband Integrated Network Service Characteristics Information Rate and Burstiness Service Examples Transfer Modes Extreme Transfer Modes Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Benefits of ATM ATM Cell Structure Cell Size BISDN Protocol Stack Transmission Delay Header Functionality Virtual Paths Statistical Multiplexing Making an ATM Call ATM Switching Classification of
switch Fabrics Time Division Switch Fabrics Shared Medium Single Bus Structure Space Division Fabrics Single Path Self Routing Switch Switch Problems Buffering