ATM for narrowband services

ATM is a broadband fast-packet technology, but its modern technological base should make it less expensive than existing circuit switching systems once economies of scale are reached. The article examines the use of ATM to address the growth of emerging narrowband services such as frame relay. ATM´s flexibility in supporting variable rates and levels of service make it an ideal network technology to carry multiple services. While B-ISDN services promise many benefits to users, major issues must be addressed before such services can be available on a large scale. Utilizing ATM as a backbone technology to support the growing capacity needs of emerging narrowband services could facilitate more rapid introduction of ATM into the network infrastructure and speed delivery of future BISDN services.<>