Some aspects of ATM network performance

In ATM networks the virtual channel identifier (VCI) for a connection is used at switches to route cells belonging to the connection along the correct channel. The VCI is also used to provide the appropriate resources for the connection and to check that the connection does not exceed the resources allocated to it. The resource management functions in an ATM network are responsible both for allocation of resources and for guarding the network against badly behaved users. In addition they allow the network to decide whether it can enter into new connection “contracts” with its users and guarantee their required quality of service (QoS). The article highlights some of the resource management issues in ATM networks