ATM - Asynchronous transfer mode

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ATM - Asynchronous transfer mode

ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) is a recent networking technology, which unlike
with Ethernet, token ring, and FDDI, allows simultaneous transfer of data and voice over
the same line.
ATM was developed with CNET. Unlike synchronous networks (like telephone networks)
where data is transmitted in a synchronous manner, i.e. the bandwidth is shared
(multiplexed) between users according to temporal unbundling, an ATM network
transfers data in an asynchronous manner, which means it transmits it when it can.
Whereas synchronous networks do not transmit anything when a user has nothing to
transmit, the ATM network will use these blanks to transmit other data, guaranteeing
better bandwidth!

Temporal multiplexing
Furthermore, ATM networks only transmit packets in the form of cells with a length of 53
bytes (5 bytes for the header and 48 bytes of data) and including identifiers allowing the
Quality of Service (QOS) to be known among other things. The quality of service
represents a priority indicator for packets depending on the current network speed.
ATM thus makes it possible to transfer data at a speed going from 25 Mbps to more than
622 Mbps (it is even expected to reach more than 2 Gbps over fibre optic). Since
hardware necessary for ATM networks is expensive, they are essentially used by
telecommunication operators on long distance lines.