ATM Networks: Issues and Challenges Ahead

The paper begins with a discussion of current trends in networking and a historical reviews of past networking technologies some of which failed. This leads us to the discussion about what it takes for a new technology to succeed and what challenges we face in making the current dream of a seamless world-wide high-speed ATM network a reality. Issues in using ATM cells for very high speed applications are presented. Ensuring that the users benefit from ATM networks involves several other related disciplines. These are reviewed.