A router for the interconnection of Ethernet local area networks via an ATM network

The new emergent services, such as high speed data transmission, video conferencing, high definition television, etc., overcome the capabilities of narrowband ISDN. To support these services, several alternative broadband networks have been proposed. In particular, the authors refer to ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) which is being standardized by CCITT. ATM provides a connection oriented transfer mode that can be used to support both connection oriented and connectionless services. Small cells which consist of a header containing a label that identifies a virtual channel, and of an information field, are used to transport information. Local area networks (LANs) can use ATM systems to overcome their geographical limitations. In this context efficient routers, with high throughput, must be conceived in order to support the exchange of information between LANs via ATM