N-GEN Communications Web-based Seminars ©NGCS

Seminar - An Overview of Communications Technologies

Module 4 - ATM Technology                                                                                                                     Slide 13 of 46 _________________                                                                                  __________

                                             How ATM Technology Works

                                        A Connection Orientated Technology

                                        Variety of Services Through a Single Network Entry
                                           Point

                                        Information Adapted into ATM Cells

                                        Cell Switching

_________________                                                                                  __________

ATM supports a variety of services to customers through a single ATM network access point. A customer obtains ATM services ( Constant Bit Rate, Variable Bit Rate) for it's applications from a carrier. The customer's information is adopted into cell format according to characteristics defined by a specific class of service. The ATM cells are transmitted transparently through the ATM network. The customer's equipment is responsible for adopting information into cell format.

ATM is a connection orientated technology in which an end-to-end logical channel is established before communications take place. ATM technology also supports connectionless service whereas ATM cells are sent from the user before setting up a connection.