Improved delineation mechanism for ATM adaptation layer 2 over wireless ATM networks

Wireless asynchronous transfer mode (WATM) has been proposed as a transport solution for the next generation of wireless and personal communication networks. ATM adaptation layer 2 (AAL2) has been identified as suitable for the support of low data rate and delay sensitive voice traffic generated in those cellular networks. Wireless ATM is of particular interest for future tactical networks, which will employ ATM technology in the wide area, such as the NATO POST-2000 tactical communications systems. AAL2 as defined by ITU-T standards does not perform very efficiently over wireless links because of the limited protection against errors and because of the way AAL2 packets are delineated within the ATM payload. A novel delineation mechanism is proposed for AAL2 to be used over high BER channels, such as wireless links, while preserving interoperability with standard AAL2.