What is ATM?

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HairyScot

182 posts

Master Geek
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#28984 18-Dec-2008 07:59

Hi,

I use a DSL-G604T router on my Vodafone connection.
On the test page for the router there are two section regarding ATM which always show up as fail :-

The WAN settings are :-

I assume that the failure is unimportant since my connection works but I am sure that prior to the recent change in the Vodafone network that these items did not show up as failing.

Has anyone noticed same thing?

johnr

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#184921 18-Dec-2008 09:56

ATM is where you get money out

kinsten

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#184926 18-Dec-2008 10:32

I think ATM os Automatic Traffic Management.
It appears that this runs on OAM (operations, administration, and maintenance) as an interface.

I am guessing, but this might work in conjunction with an advanced routing management software interface which manages multiple routers & their extended networks.

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NealR

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#184929 18-Dec-2008 10:50

ATM - Asynchronous Transfer Mode

ATM is an encapsulation mechanism for data packets. In your case your Router takes the IP Packets inside the Ethernet frames from your LAN and puts them into ATM cells to be sent over DSL to the local Telephone exchange.

Clear as Mud?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asynchronous_Transfer_Mode

The comments I write on this forum do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer and as such cannot be taken as official statements of my employer.

fieldway

50 posts

Geek

#184954 18-Dec-2008 12:20

Short for Asynchronous Transfer Mode, a network technology based on transferring data in cells or packets of a fixed size. The cell used with ATM is relatively small compared to units used with older technologies. The small, constant cell size allows ATM equipment to transmit video, audio, and computer data over the same network, and assure that no single type of data hogs the line.

Some people think that ATM holds the answer to the Internet bandwidth problem, but others are skeptical. ATM creates a fixed channel, or route, between two points whenever data transfer begins. This differs from TCP/IP, in which messages are divided into packets and each packet can take a different route from source to destination. This difference makes it easier to track and bill data usage across an ATM network, but it makes it less adaptable to sudden surges in network traffic.

When purchasing ATM service, you generally have a choice of four different types of service:
1 constant bit rate (CBR): specifies a fixed bit rate so that data is sent in a steady stream. This is analogous to a leased line.
2 variable bit rate (VBR): provides a specified throughput capacity but data is not sent evenly. This is a popular choice for voice and videoconferencing data.
3 available bit rate (ABR): provides a guaranteed minimum capacity but allows data to be bursted at higher capacities when the network is free.
4 unspecified bit rate (UBR): does not guarantee any throughput levels. This is used for applications, such as file transfer, that can tolerate delays.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/ATM.html

Balchy

484 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#184977 18-Dec-2008 14:55

you never go ATM!

*hides*

For billions of years since the outset of time, every single one of your ancestors survived, every single person on your Mum and Dads side, successfully looked after and passed onto you life. What are the chances of that like?

HairyScot

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#184981 18-Dec-2008 15:11

Thanks for all the info guys and a special thanks to the banker.
(You do know that the collective noun for bankers is a "wunch"?)

From what you have all said I guess I can safely forget all about ATM and ignore the failed pings when I run the test on my router.