ATM network

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) can provide both circuit and packet-switching services with the same protocol, and this integration of circuit and packet-switching services can be beneficial in many ways. Four major benefits of the ATM technique are considered here: scalability, statistical multiplexing, traffic integration, and network simplicity. In the course of achieving those benefits, ATM makes compromises. In this article we assess the benefits and ensuing penalties of these compromises and put them into perspective.