Sarcouncil Journal of Engineering and Computer Sciences

Abstract: The Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is being developed as a highspeed networking technique for the public network capable of supporting many classes of trafficc. ATM is also well suited for applications within corporate networking: as a private wide area network; as the campus backbone network; and as a highspeed local area network. This article discusses ATM technology in relation to the requirements of corporate networking. An introduction to ATM switch architecture is presented. The various approaches to ATM switch design that have appeared in the literature are reviewed. Finally, a discussion is presented of some of the current issues facing the development of ATM networks. It is argued that much simpler solutions to many of these issues may be adopted in the context of the corporate network than is permissible for the public broadband network