What is an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Network | Uses, Pros and Cons, and ATM Cell
May 24th, 2022
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2 mins 8 secs
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networks
networking
computer network
computer networking
ATM
asynchronous transfer mode network
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An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network is a type of computer networking technology that uses
digital signal processing to send and receive data over a medium such as a telephone line or an optical fiber cable. The ATM network was developed in the 1980s by telecommunication companies such as
ATM Forum,
Bell Labs, and
CCITT.
The technology was designed to be used for voice and data communications, and it uses a cell-based structure that allows for the transfer of data at high speeds. ATM is used in both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
ATM networking is a popular choice for many businesses because it offers high speed and low cost. However, the asynchronous transfer mode networking can be complex to set up and manage, and it is not always compatible with other networking technologies.
What is an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Network Cell?
An ATM cell is the basic unit of data that is transferred over an ATM network. ATM cells are fixed in size and contain 53 bytes of data. The first 5 bytes of an ATM cell are used for header information, and the remaining 48 bytes are used for payload data.
The header information includes the virtual path identifier (VPI) and virtual channel identifier (VCI), which are used to identify the ATM connection. The payload data can be either user data or control information.
ATM cells are transferred over the network in an asynchronous manner, which means that they are not synchronized with the clock signal. This allows for a higher degree of flexibility and efficiency in terms of how the cells are routed through the network.
ATM Cell Structure
An ATM cell is composed of five fields:
- Header: The header field contains information about the ATM connection
- Payload: The payload field contains the user data or control information
- CRC: The CRC field is used for error detection
- End of cell: The end of cell field indicates the end of the ATM cell.
Uses of an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Network
ATM networking can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Voice over IP (VoIP)
- Video conferencing
- Online gaming
- Video on demand
- Distance learning
- To connect network devices such as routers and switches, or to connect a computer to a printer or other peripheral devices.
Pros of an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Network
ATM networking has a number of advantages, including:
- High speed: ATM can support data rates of up to 25 Gbps
- Low cost: ATM networking is relatively inexpensive compared to other networking technologies
- Flexibility: ATM can be used in a variety of networking scenarios, such as LANs, WANs, and MANs
- Scalability: ATM networking can be easily scaled to support a larger number of users or devices.
Cons of an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Network
ATM networking also has its caveats, including:
- Complexity: ATM networking can be complex to set up and manage
- Incompatibility: ATM is not always compatible with other networking technologies
- Limited applications: ATM is not suitable for all networking applications.
Conclusion
Despite its disadvantages, ATM networking remains a popular choice for many businesses due to its high speed and low cost. Every business has its unique requirements, so if you are considering using ATM networking for your business, be sure to consult with a qualified networking professional to ensure that it is the right choice for your needs.
