An ATM system architecture for seamless network evolution

The paper discusses the ATM network evolution from various points of view including the evolution of ATM services, service interface, and connection management. The key issues for the ATM network evolution are the assurance of independent progress of the core transport system separated from adaptation functions for existing and future telecommunication services, the integration of user service interface, and the enhancement of connection management from semi-permanent virtual path network to the switched virtual circuit network. The node architecture is proposed based on multiplexer/cross-connect and self-routing switch configuration, which provides the smooth evolution from the cross-connect network to the switched network. The traffic management schemes on the node system are also studied