An Introduction to ATM Networks

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) has revolutionized telecommunications, and has become an integral part of the networking infrastructure.

This introductory well-structured text on ATM networks describes their development, architecture, congestion control, deployment, and signalling in an intuitive, accessible way. It covers extensive background information and includes exercises that support the explanations throughout the book.

The networking expert Harry G. Perros explains ATM networks, including such hot topics as:

• ATM adaptation layer 2

• Quality of Service

• Congestion control

• Tag switching and MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching)

• ADSL-based access networks

• Signalling

• PNNI (Private Network Node Interface)

An Introduction to ATM Networks is a textbook for graduate and undergraduate students in electrical engineering and computer science as well as a reference work for networking engineers.

Table of Contents

Preface.

List of Abbreviations.

PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND.

Introduction.

The Asynchronous Transfer Mode.

Standards Committees.

Problems.

Basic Concepts from Computer Networks.

Communication Networking Techniques.

The Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model.

Data Link Layer.

The High Data Link Control (HDLC) Protocol.

Synchronous Time Division Multiplexing (TDM).

The Logical Link Control (LLC) Layer.

Network Access Protocol X.25.

The Internet Protocol (IP).

Problems.

Frame Relay.

Motivation and Basic Features.

The Frame Relay UNI.

Congestion Control.

Problems.

PART 2: THE ATM ARCHITECTURE.

Main Features of ATM Networks.

Introduction.

The Structure of the ATM Cell Header.

The ATM Protocol Stack.

ATM Interfaces.

The Physical Layer.

UTOPIA and WIRE.

Problems.

The ATM Adaption Layer.

Introduction.

ATM Adaption Layer 1 (AAL 1).

ATM Adaption Layer 2 (AAL 2).

ATM Adaption Layer 3/4 (AAL 3/4).

ATM Adaption Layer 5 (AAL 5).

Problems.

ATM Switch Architectures.

Introduction.

Space-Division Switch Architectures.

Shared Memory ATM Switch Architectures.

Shared Medium ATM Switch Architectures.

Nonblocking Switches with Output Buffering.

Multicasting in an ATM Switch.

Scheduling Algorithms.

The Lucent AC120 Switch.

Performance Evaluation of an ATM Switch.

Problems.

Appendix: A Simulation Model of an ATM Multiplexer - Part 1.

Congestion Control in ATM Networks.

Traffic Characterization.

Quality of Service (QoS) Parameters.

ATM Service Categories.

Congestion Control.

Preventive Congestion Control.

Call Admission Control.

Bandwidth Enforcement.

Reactive Congestion Control.

Problems.

Appendix: A Simulation Model of an ATM Multiplexer - Part 2.

Appendix: Estimating the ATM Traffic Parameters of a Video Source.

PART 3: DEPLOYMENT OF ATM.

Transporting IP Traffic Over ATM.

Introduction.

LAN Emulation (LE).

Classical IP and ARP over ATM.

Next Hop Routing Protocol (NHRP).

IP Switching.

Tag Switching.

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS).

Problems.

ADSL-Based Access Networks.

Introduction.

The ADSL Technology.

Schemes for Accessing Network Service Providers.

Problems. Signaling over the UNI.

Connection Types.

The Signaling Protocol Stack.

The Signaling ATM Adaption Layer (SAAL).

The Signaling Channel.

ATM Addresssing.

The Format of the Signaling Message.

The Signaling Protocol Q.2931.

The Signaling Protocol Q.2971

Leaf Initiated Join (LIJ) Capability.

ATM Anycast Capability.

Problems.

The Private Network-Network Interface (PNNI).

Introduction.

The PNNI Routing Protocol.

The PNNI Signaling Protocol.

Problems.

Appendix: List of Standards.

Index.