What is an ATM?

newnetman · ‎03-25-2008

Hello All,

May i ask someone to please clarify the word "atm" please?.

I am disturbed by how the term is used and would like to know if this is a technology like frame-relay, mpls or its a device?, because i have heard sometimes called an "atm" switch.

Thank you all

Jon Marshall · ‎03-25-2008

Hi

ATM is a layer 2 technology in the way frame-relay is a layer 2 technology. It use SVC's (Switched Virtual Circuits) and PVC's (Permanent Virtual Circuits) to transfer data.

An ATM switch is just a switch that runs ATM just like a Frame Relay switch runs frame-relay.

HTH

Jon

newnetman · ‎03-25-2008

Hi Jon,

Many thanks for the help and the prompt response.

May i ask further if a router could be use/converted to an atm switch just it's possible with frame-relay?.

I mean a router like 2225 series?

Thank you

Jon Marshall · ‎03-25-2008

Not as far as i know unfortunately. You need a dedicated ATM switch.

Jon

newnetman · ‎03-25-2008

Hi Jon,

Many thanks for the help and the prompt response.

May i ask further if a router could be use/converted to an atm switch just it's possible with frame-relay?.

I mean a router like 2522 series?

Thank you

Edison Ortiz · ‎03-25-2008

In addition to Jon's information, I highly suggest you take the time and read this Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asynchronous_Transfer_Mode

HTH,

__

Edison.

newnetman · ‎03-25-2008

Hi,

A very big thanks to both of you (Jon and Edison)for unraveling the mistery behind atm, the web link is very much intuitive.

Thanks a "Terabyte"

Regards