Capabilities of Two (2) Major

¶ … capabilities of two (2) major LAN systems, such as Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, and FDDI, available to support local computing needs.

Both ATM and Ethernet are promising LAN systems. ATM seems to have the ultimate integrated-services network: it provides unlimited bandwidth on demand; computer data, voice and video over one cost-effective infrastructure; seamless interconnect between the local area and the wide area.

Ethernet is designed to transmit computer data in local network areas. It doesn't promise to cater to all telecommunication needs but it has nonetheless succeeded and even replaced ATM in some ways becoming dominant in the field. Each major LAN system has its specific merits and demerits. This paper will contrast both using various key categories to compare.

General

ATM is a complex technology leading to problems in interoperability between public networks and sometimes slow service.

Ethernet, on the other hand, is simple with it containing far less of the complex standards required by ATM and with tis technology being easy to understand and deploy. This has largely resulted in the popularity of Ethernet.

2. Bandwidth

ATM originally offered speeds of 155 Mbps and 622 Mbps which was the prime reason why users were attracted to ATM. Ethernet, however, super ceded and dominated ATM also providing superior routing and switching technology.

3. Scalability

An important advantage for ATM is that it can be used as both LAN and WAN technology.

Ethernet's limitation is that it is purely a LAN technology and cannot scale, but it is working on spanning to WAN too.

4 Overhead

In order to satisfy both the U.S. And Europe, ATM settled on 48 bytes for the payload. The overhead from a 5 byte header of a total cell size of 53 bytes is 9.4%.

Ethernet has a minimal overhead with the header being 26 bytes. However, Ethernet frames do carry other protocol packets in them which have headers too.

4. Interoperability

Different Ethernet versions work well together. However, ATM has a far tougher time since large parts of networking applications have been built for traditional LANs. Some of the applications would, therefore, have to be changed for ATM. MPOA, Multiprotocol over ATM, attempts to make existing LANs and their protocols interoperate with ATM and gradually replace LANE, another program that is currently accelerating adoption of ATM.

5. Management

Ethernet is superior to ATM in installation and configuration. Its installing is simple and easily comprehensible. ATM installing is more complex and demands certain expertise. This, in turn, makes the technology pricier.

6. Price

Ethernet is far cheaper than ATM in all aspects of its system including network interface cards and network infrastructure equipment. In fact, a transition to an ATM LAN is more expensive than an Ethernet upgrade.

Conclusion

It seems clear that Ethernet is superior to ATM in almost all ways. These include speed, simplicity, price, interoperability, and management.