A new transport network architecture based on asynchronous transfer mode techniques

The authors explore an information transport network architecture based on ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) techniques. ATM-based networks, when coupled with recent technological innovations, are expected to open the way to credible solutions to the problem of constructing universal transport networks. Multiplexing and transport aspects of ATM have a great impact on network architectures because of their flexibility and capability to meet virtually any service demand. A philosophy is presented of a future transport network architecture in which the ATM´s capabilities will be exploited to construct an efficient and economical network. Important concepts in implementing the network are: introducing service-independent basic transport mechanisms; simplification of the network architecture by implementing the virtual path concept; providing highly distributed functions in a subscriber access network; and developing a universal interface. Based on these considerations, a model network is also proposed