Transition to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) an Implementation Model for NPS Software Metrics Lab

With Asynchronous Transfer Mode ATM, we are experiencing the emergence of a network technology that has the potential of satisfying the requirement for a worldwide standard to allow interoperability of information, regardless of the hosts or type of information. Historically ATM has been advertised as a Wide Area Network WAN technology. Recently, we have seen ATM take on more applications in the local area environment competing with the standard LAN technology, Ethernet. With its ability to accommodate the simultaneous transmission of data, voice. and video. ATM could potentially create a seamless network based on one standard. As a switched-based technology, some of the benefits provided by ATM are dedicated bandwidth per connection, higher aggregate bandwidth, flexible access speeds, reduced network bandwidth cost. reduced network access costs, reduced equipment cost and commitment, and improved management and flexibility. We provide a discussion of the ATM standard an evaluation of the SMLs LAN architecture, and propose three ATM implementation models using the SML that NPS could employ to provide ITM students with practical experience and exposure to this technology. Each model outlines the specifications i.e. hardware and software required for implementation.