(ATM and Gigabit Ethernet)

Introduction
The bandwidth hungry applications (such as video conferencing) are rapidly increasing. Need for Enterprises to upgrade their networks and transmit data at faster rates

ATM and Gigabit Ethernet

Enterprises are currently adopting these technologies since they offer higher speeds and are less expensive than the FDDI backbone.
Choosing the right technology to implement in the network.

ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)

ATM is a packet switching technology that uses packets of size 53 byte also called cells. Each ATM cell consists of a header of 5 byte length and 48 byte payload. Its features are carried out via 3 lower level layers.

Advantages of ATM
It is a reliable technology that ensures high quality of service features . Efficient and high speed transmission of voice data . Management of different types of traffic and congestion control. Convergence of voice, video and data traffic over high bandwidth circuit with a single underlying switching and transport technology.

Advantages of ATM
Flexibility and high scalability in network size and speed. Can be used in different technologies (LAN, MAN and WAN) and provides seamless end to end network. Single enterprise-wide solution and integration savings. Quite a few possible migration paths to ATM network currently exist.

Drawbacks and Challenges of ATM

1. Since ATM is connection oriented its interoperability with the Ethernet LANs installed base is difficult. . 2. ATM is more expensive than Gigabit Ethernet because installation, maintenance and employee training are more complex. 3. Slow development of standards. 4. Migration to ATM is not very smooth due to competition with existing protocols

Gigabit Ethernet
The IEEE published the Gigabit Ethernet specifications in 1996 and since then it has brought a lot of interest in the network world. Gigabit Ethernet is a frame-based protocol and it offers a full duplex switch mode. Its half-duplex mode will provide a network compatible with the Ethernet and Fast Ethernet and uses CSMD/CD protocol for reducing collisions in such Medias.

Advantages of Gigabit Ethernet

The interoperability in the LAN field is guaranteed.

Fast progress of technology and standard. It can offer seamless migration from existing Ethernet with minimum disturbance to the customers and the offered services. Cheap to deploy and easy to implement. The ability to leverage existing Ethernet technology.

Drawbacks and challenges of Gigabit Ethernet No QoS guarantee. Less scalable and less reliable than ATM.

Conclusion
Both technologies can co-exist in the future each will serve a different purpose. Choosing the right technology mainly depend on the type of application not the bandwidth and speed only.

Conclusion
ATM will serve a better purpose if the network needs QoS guarantee, a single LAN-WAN bridging technology and integrated voice and video Gigabit Ethernet will be used if a simple upgrade in an already existing Ethernet investment network is required.

Future work
ATM network will appear as a broadcast LAN to Ethernet devices and end stations, and thereby connect to Ethernet desktops.

Researchers are developing some features that would let Gigabit Ethernet move specified data in a faster and more prioritized way.
Resource Reservation Protocol for Ethernet technology.