A cell adaptation multiplexer for broadband network service access

New networking capabilities are quickly emerging based on SONET and ATM technology which supports communications of all types of traffic at up to gigabit/sec rates. SONET stands for synchronous optical network for cross-connecting and multiplexing transmission circuits. A key element is called asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) for "cell" multiplexing and switching. The combination of these technologies allows networks to efficiently carry diverse types of traffic with vastly different access, bandwidth, and latency or delay requirements. Additionally, ATM allows users to access high peak bandwidth on demand to support new classes of bandwidth intensive services. An ATM cell adapter/multiplexer (CAM) has been developed which has the ability to accept non-ATM signals, convert them into ATM cells, and multiplex them with other ATM of non-ATM signals and then attach to an ATM switch. Thus, the CAM integrates ATM multiplexing and adaptation into one unit which complements ATM switches, and enhances the ATM network structure and bandwidth availability for non-ATM devices.