A Critique of ATM from a Data Communications Perspective

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Cidon, Israel | Derby, Jeff | Gopal, Inder | Kadaba, Bharath

Affiliations: IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA | IBM Communication Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA

Abstract: Fast Packet Switching (FPS) is emerging as the preferred technology for future high speed, integrated networks. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is an approach to FPS that is in the process of standardization and is the preferred approach of the carrier community. Concurrently, alternative approaches to FPS based on variable sized packets have been proposed by segments of the data communication industry. These approaches include Frame Relay and an approach developed by IBM called PARIS. The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of ATM for data communications relative to some of these alternative approaches.

Keywords: ATM, PTM, Fast Packet Switching, Gigabit Networks, Data Communications

DOI: 10.3233/JHS-1992-1403

Journal: Journal of High Speed Networks, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 315-336, 1992