ATM Last modified: Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Short for Asynchronous Transfer Mode, a network technology based on transferring data in cells or packets of a fixed size. The cell used with ATM is relatively small compared to units used with older technologies. The small, constant cell size allows ATM equipment to transmit video, audio, and computer data over the same network, and assure that no single type of data hogs the line. Some people think that ATM holds the answer to the Internet bandwidth problem, but others are skeptical. ATM creates a fixed channel, or route, between two points whenever data transfer begins. This differs from TCP/IP, in which messages are divided into packets and each packet can take a different route from source to destination. This difference makes it easier to track and bill data usage across an ATM network, but it makes it less adaptable to sudden surges in network traffic. When purchasing ATM service, you generally have a choice of four different types of service: constant bit rate (CBR): specifies a fixed bit rate so that data is sent in a steady stream. This is analogous to a leased line. variable bit rate (VBR): provides a specified throughput capacity but data is not sent evenly. This is a popular choice for voice and videoconferencing data. available bit rate (ABR): provides a guaranteed minimum capacity but allows data to be bursted at higher capacities when the network is free. unspecified bit rate (UBR): does not guarantee any throughput levels. This is used for applications, such as file transfer, that can tolerate delays.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• Sponsored listings Automated Teller Machine Pricing -Top Rival Vendors Compete - Compare Free Price Quotes from National ATM Cash Machine Vendors with 1 Easy Form & No Obligation. Submit a Request Now & Save Today! Cisco 3700 Advanced Integration Modules - Buys and sells refurbished, new, and used Cisco 3700 series advanced integration modules (AIM) with a 1-year warranty on all refurbished Cisco. Washington Mutual Banking - Switch to WaMu Free Checking. Enroll 100% online. No monthly fee! For internet.com pages about ATM . Also check out the following links! Asynchronous Transfer Mode tutorial  This tutorial presents an overview of ATM and Gigabit networks and provides links to sections on network descriptions, benefits, switching techniques, definitions, and services. The ATM Forum  The ATM Forum site is dedicated to promoting ATM within various markets. There are links to general information about the forum and its members, along with ATM technical and marketing information. ATM dictionary Contains definitions for terms associated with ATM. ATM internetworking paper from Cisco Systems A table of contents page with links to download the entire paper in either Adobe Acrobat or Postscript. ATM Tutorials and Resources Good collection of links to ATM information, including tutorials, papers, FAQs, and forums. This page is hosted by the InterOperability Lab at the University of New Hampshire. Cell relay FAQ Provides information on cell relay and ATM technologies. The ATM Consortium The ATM Consortium home page offers links to general and membership information, technical information including test suites and equipment lists, and educational information. The Cell Relay Retreat Provides a collection of ATM resource information. Included are links to tutorials, documents, trade press resources, archives, and FAQs. Sponsored listings Cisco Switches - Online seller of refurbished Sun Microsystems, Cisco, Juniper, and F5 networks hardware offers Cisco switches. Cisco Switches at Focus Technology - Focus is a leading provider of servers and IT hardware including Cisco Switches. Trained professionals serving our broad spectrum of product lines. Reseller, ISO Debit Card Programs - Corporate, co-branding & reloadable debit cards, including Open-Loop networks. Revenue Opportunities for prepaid debit cards. Accepting Visa/MC.	Networking Standards 5-4-3 rule ABR CBR DLCI G.SHDSL LANE UBR VBR Give Us Your Feedback ATM Products : Top Store Offers: WonderBrains Toys  27.97This fun, interactive bank works just like a real ATM! Children learn how to save money and bank like grownups using Bank AmeriKid's multifunction ele... Store For Knowledge  24.75Grades Pre-K and up. This fun, interactive bank works just like a real ATM! Children learn how to save money and bank like grownups using Bank Ameri... Kaplan Toys  29.95PreK & up. This fun, interactive bank works just like a programmable ATM card. Children learn how to save money and bank like grownups using the multi... Amazon  25.95Interactive bank works just like a real ATM! Make deposits, withdrawals, and build a savings account Multifunction electronic keypad and progammable A... Kazoo Toys  28.99Brush up on your math facts as you protect and track your hard-earned cash! Bank Amerikid ATM Bank works just like a real ATM Bank with a personal acc... Compare all matches: 129 Store Offers