Broadband ISDN and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)

The transfer mode chosen by the CCITT Study Group XVIII Task Group on ISDN Broadband Aspects as the basis of broadband ISDN is called the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). ATM is a high-bandwidth, low-delay, packetlike switching and multiplexing technique. It is essentially a connection-oriented technique, although it is envisioned as a basis for supporting all services, connectionless as well as connection-oriented. The basic transfer mode concepts are explained. The limits of synchronous transfer mode (ATM) are discussed and reasons for choosing ATM over STM are given. The main technical issues having an impact on the ATM specifications are discussed.<>