A feasibility study of ATM virtual path cross-connect systems in LATA transport networks

Many local exchange carriers (LECs) have started to trial ATM broadband switching platforms for their high-speed data service applications. Transport systems are needed to transport signals between ATM switches and bring customer traffic to the ATM switch to reduce the number of expensive ATM switches needed. The paper discusses two alternative broadband transport technologies (STM and ATM virtual path (VP)) and quantifies the technology difference in terms of network engineering and economics in a metro LATA. The analysis includes a technology assessment (feasibility study) and a broadband transport nodal architecture analysis. Study results have indicated that ATM VP transport technology may be an economically viable broadband transport technology, and the economic analysis results are very sensitive to the ATM circuit emulation cost for POTS and PL services. Also the ATM VPX system is very attractive in areas where the majority of demand is passing through the node; while the STM DCS system is attractive for areas with most traffic added/dropped from/to the local office. New efforts are needed to formulate “optimum” design for ATM VP transport networks, including VP sizing for different types of services