Fixed-length cells allow cell processing to occur in hardware, thereby reducing transit delays. ATM is designed to take advantage of high-speed transmission media such as E3, SONET, and T3. ATM provides a guaranteed quality of service. Standard Internet connections are based on Frame Relay technology. The throughput of Frame Relay links can be drastically reduced under certain circumstances, just as a garden hose becomes less effective when stepped on or linked.
However, ATM links are like metal pipes-they always provide the same amount of throughput, regardless of the pressure exerted on them.
However, ATM links are like metal pipes-they always provide the same amount of throughput, regardless of the pressure exerted on them.
