Asynchronous transfer mode for broadband ISDN

Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN) based on asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology is being actively studied worldwide. ATM networks can handle various types of services, such as high speed data and video signals. Non-hierarchical multiplexing is another advantage of deploying ATM technology into the network. This paper presents newly developed ATM transport equipment and the related technologies for the ATM network. First, the key hardware technologies, such as sophisticated VLSI and optical transmission modules are described. Next, a large capacity ATM switch architecture and an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) function are presented. Finally, newly developed prototype ATM transport equipment using these technologies is presented.