N-GEN Communications Web-based Seminars ©NGCS

Seminar - An Overview of Communications Technologies

Module 4 - ATM Technology                                                                                                                      Slide 26 of 46 _________________                                                                                  __________

                                     ATM Network Architecture

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ATM network architecture consists of User Layer, ATM Edge Switches, ATM Access Switches and Core ATM Switches.

User Layer - Represents the desktop and its close vicinity, which may extend to a workgroup, building or campus.

Edge Layer -  An Edge Layer switch Represents the gateway between local and wide area. This switch could be located at the customer's premises. The primary function of this switch is access consolidation.

Access Layer - This layer includes the ATM switches at the periphery of Core ATM Backbone Layer. These switches are used to connect edge switches and to provide direct ATM access interface to customers requiring OC-3 connections. 

Core Layer - This layer is composed of very large ATM switches provisioned as cross-connects. These switches do not have access interface and are used to provide high speed trunk connections.