Asynchronous Transfer Mode

protocol for high-speed data transfer, ATM

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is a cell relay, packet switching network and data link layer protocol which encodes data traffic into small (53 bytes; 48 bytes of data and 5 bytes of header information) fixed-sized cells. ATM provides data link layer services that run over Layer 1 links. This differs from other technologies based on packet-switched networks (such as the Internet Protocol or Ethernet), in which variable sized packets (known as frames when referencing layer 2) are used. ATM is a connection-oriented technology, in which a logical connection is established between the two endpoints before the actual data exchange begins.
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Noun
1. a means of digital communications that is capable of very high speeds; suitable for transmission of images or voice or video as well as data; "ATM is used for both LAN and WAN"
(synonym) ATM
(hypernym) digital communication, data communication

A high-speed multiplexing and switching method utilizing fixed-length cells of 53 octects to support multiple types of traffic. Note: ATM, specified in international standards, is asynchronous in the sense that cells carrying user data need not be periodic.

<communications> (ATM, or "fast packet") A method for the dynamic allocation of bandwidth using a fixed-size packet (called a cell).
See also ATM Forum, Wideband ATM.
ATM acronyms.
Indiana acronyms.
[More detail? Data rate(s)?]
(1996-04-01)