ATM or Gigabit Ethernet…Which One Will Be The One Stop Solution?
Reggie Smith · INCOSE International Symposium · 1999
ABSTRACT This trade study will examine both ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Method) and Gigabit Ethernet. I will look at these technologies to serve as the backbone for a network, plus service down to the desktop. I will examine cost, design, performance and future trends. These technologies will be compared in a same case scenario with both networks passing voice, video and data for a distributive network nationally. This comparison is also considering what the end‐users wish to increasingly use such as the following: scientific modeling, publications, medical data transfers, inter/intranets, data warehousing, network backups, interactive media applications, increased network reliability, low cost, compatibility, etc. I chose this trade study subject comparison because “most organizations competing in the global marketplace increasingly turn to information management technology to gain a competitive advantage” (FORE, 1996). “These new organizations are driven by information and powered by new enablers such as distance learning, collaborative workgroups, telecommuting, videoconferencing, and multimedia front ends to existing databases. Today's conventional LAN (Local Area Network) technologies (e.g., Ethernet, Token Ring, and FDDI) and components (e.g., hubs, bridges, and routers) were not designed to support such demanding requirements” (FORE, 1996). This explosive demand has brought about ATM and Gigabit Ethernet. I believe that ATM will become a natural backbone medium with Gigabit Ethernet service to the desktop. The future looks like a mixed environment with not just one medium providing service.