ATM access network architecture

The requirements of the ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) access network architecture, its physical and logical network configurations and its OAM (operation and maintenance) architecture are described. A topology that layers ring/star networks and star networks is proposed for the physical network configuration to allow access network evolution. Virtual path networking based on service separation is proposed for the logical network configuration in order to establish integrated and flexible access networks. Some application examples of virtual path usage in the network are also described. The OAM functional configuration is shown. >