What does ATM mean in COMPUTING

What is ATM?

ATM is a type of networking technology that uses fixed-length packets called cells to transfer data between nodes on a network. These cells are exchanged between the nodes using a switching technique called cell-switching. The cells are used to transmit data across multiple protocols and at speeds up to 622 Mbps or higher. Each cell contains a header and payload that consists of an address field and various control fields. The address field identifies the destination node while the control fields contain information about the cell’s content such as its length, priority level, type of service etc.

How Does ATM Work?

In an ATM network, each node is connected by point-to-point links which carry both user information (data) and signalling information (control). When a node sends out a request for data, it will be routed through the appropriate link and then transferred around each node until it reaches its final destination. As each node interacts with another, it performs various operations depending on whether user information or signalling information needs to be sent or received from another node. For example, if user data needs to be sent to another device it will be reassembled into smaller pieces known as segments before being transmitted from one point to another via buses or bridges while control messages will be acknowledged with specialised bits/flags during each hop (e.g., NAK/ACK). Additionally, when user data needs to travel onward from one node towards its destination it first passes through an adaptation layer which converts any application layer protocols into compatible ATM layers before having them passed onto other nodes within the same domain or beyond it via different types of links.

Benefits OF ATM

ATM is well suited for providing reliable delivery services over long distances due to its ability to prioritize traffic based on levels of importance determined by parameters set at each node such as packet size so that high priority traffic can take precedence over low priority ones when needed; this feature helps prevent congestion in heavily trafficked areas since resources are freed up more quickly than they would normally be using other technologies such as Frame Relay or Ethernet‐based networks where all traffic tends to move at the same speed regardless of its importance making them inefficient when dealing with heavy loads of varying priorities or sizes; additionally its use of point‐to‐point connections ensures greater security since routers only allow authorised users access while keeping malicious actors away from sensitive parts/areas within internal networks thus ensuring better performance even in highly volatile environments.