Master of Information Technology (MIT)

September Intake 2023

Second Semester

Assignment 5
Network Design (CSC 5620)

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Roshan Kumar Thapa Dr. Pradip Paudyal

Submitted for the partial fulfillment of the assignment Network Design (MIT)

Date: 20th May 2024

ATM Networks
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) networks are a type of telecommunications
technology designed for the high-speed transmission of data, voice, and video. Here are
the key features and concepts related to ATM networks:

Key Concepts and Features of ATM Networks:

1. Cell-Based Architecture:

• ATM uses small, fixed-size packets called cells. Each cell is 53 bytes
long, with 48 bytes for payload (user data) and 5 bytes for the header
(control information).

2. Connection-Oriented Service:

• ATM is connection-oriented, meaning a virtual circuit must be

established between the source and destination before data transfer
begins. There are two types of virtual circuits: Permanent Virtual
Circuits (PVCs) and Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs).

3. Quality of Service (QoS):

• ATM supports different levels of QoS, ensuring reliable transmission of

various types of data (e.g., voice, video, and data) with minimal latency
and jitter.

4. Scalability:

• ATM networks can scale from local-area networks (LANs) to wide-area

networks (WANs), making them suitable for various applications and
sizes of networks.

5. High-Speed Transmission:

• Designed for high-speed networking, ATM supports data rates ranging

from 155 Mbps (OC-3) to 622 Mbps (OC-12) and higher.

6. Integrated Services:
 • ATM is capable of handling multiple types of traffic (e.g., voice, video,
data) on a single network infrastructure, making it versatile for different
applications.

Advantages of ATM Networks:

1. Efficiency in Data Handling:

• The fixed cell size allows for predictable performance and simplifies
hardware design for switching and routing.

2. Flexibility:

• ATM can efficiently support both constant bit rate (CBR) and variable
bit rate (VBR) services.

3. High Throughput and Low Latency:

• Due to its high-speed capabilities and QoS features, ATM provides high
throughput with low latency, which is crucial for real-time applications.

Disadvantages of ATM Networks:

1. Complexity:

• The technology is complex, which can make implementation and

management more challenging compared to simpler technologies like
Ethernet.

2. Cost:

• ATM equipment and infrastructure tend to be more expensive than other

networking technologies.

3. Cell Overhead:

• The fixed cell size means that small data packets result in higher
overhead, potentially leading to inefficiency in bandwidth usage.

Applications of ATM Networks:

1. Telecommunications:
 • Used by telecom providers to deliver broadband services, including DSL
and fiber optic networks.

2. Enterprise Networks:

• Employed in large organizations for high-speed backbone connections.

3. Multimedia Applications:

• Ideal for applications requiring real-time data transmission, such as

video conferencing and live streaming.

Technical Components:

1. ATM Switches:

• Central devices in ATM networks that route cells based on their headers.

2. ATM Adaptation Layers (AAL):

• Provide adaptation functions to support different types of services.

There are several types of AALs, including AAL1 for constant bit rate
services (like voice) and AAL5 for variable bit rate services (like data).

3. Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) and Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI):

• Used in the cell headers to determine the routing of cells through the
network.