Key Components

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A: ATM Management Software

The best ATM software lets administrators easily set up, maintain, and tear down virtual circuits. ATM software also helps you remotely configure the network and monitor performance.

What to consider:

--
 Are switched virtual circuits and  switched virtual paths supported?

--
 Can you create virtual workgroups?

--
 Can it automatically reestablish permanent and switched virtual circuits if broken?

--
 Does it support SNMP and management information bases (MIBs)?

--
 Does it work with your network management software (i.e., Openview, Netview)?

--
 Can you view virtual circuits graphically?

--
 Can you track peak traffic, average traffic, and other performance statistics?

--
 Does it support your client platforms?

--
 What quality-of-service parameters does it support?

--
 Manage switches from different vendors?

Representative vendors:

Cisco Systems (
http://www.cisco.com
)
Fore Systems (
http://www.fore.com
)
UB Networks (
http://www.ub.com
)

B: Workgroup Switches

Switches are the command centers for ATM's connection-oriented approach to moving data cells along virtual circuits. Prices range from $5000 to over $10,000 depending on data rates and number of ports.

What to consider:

--
 Does the data rate (i.e., 622 or 155 Mbps) match your needs?

--
 How many ports are standard and how many more can you add as your network grows?

--
 How many cell buffers come standard?

--
 How many Ethernet or token-ring ports are standard?

--
 Does it support the following:
   
     
--
 UNI 3.0 and UNI 3.1?
     
--
 LAN emulation (LANE)?
     
--
 Private n
etwork node interface (P-NNI)?
     
--
 IP over ATM?
     
--
 Multiprotocol over ATM (MPOA)?
   


--
 Does it support permanent and switched virtual circuits?

--
 Does it support SNMP and your network management software?

Representative vendors:

ATM Inc. (
http://www.atminc.com
)
Bay Networks (
http://www.baynetworks.com
)
Cisco Systems (
http://www.cisco.com
)
Fore Systems (
http://www.fore.com
)
Fujitsu (
http://www.fujitsu.com
)
General DataComm (
http://www.gdc.com
)
IBM (
http://www.ibm.com
)
Ipsilon Networks (
http://www.ipsilon.com
)
Madge Networks (
http://www.madge.com
)
Newbridge Networks (
http://www.newbridge.com
)
Olicom (
http://www.olicom.com
)
3Com (
http://www.3com.com
)
UB Networks (
http://www.ub.com
)
Whitetree (
http://whitetree.com
)

C: ATM Adapter Cards

Interface cards connect workstations to the ATM network typically using unshielded twisted-pair wiring or OC-3 fiber. Prices start at about $350 for 25.6-Mbps adapters and $850 for 155-Mbps cards.

What to consider:

--
 Does the data rate match your application?

--
 What bus types are supported?

--
 What is the size of th
e buffer memory?

--
 Are there LEDs to show loss of signal and link integrity?

--
 Does it support permanent and switched virtual circuits?

--
 Does it support UNI 3.0 and UNI 3.1?

--
 Are there client drivers for Windows, NetWare, OS/2?

Representative vendors:

Adaptec (
http://www.adaptec.com
)
ATM Inc. (
http://www.atminc.com
)
Cisco Systems (
http://www.cisco.com
)
IBM (
http://www.ibm.com
)
Interphase (
http://www.iphase.com
)
Olicom (
http://www.olicom.com
)
3Com (
http://www.3com.com
)
Fore Systems (
http://www.fore.com
)
ZeitNet (
http://www.zeitnet.com
)

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Key Components Connected

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