Some people think that ATM holds the answer to the Internet bandwidth problem, but others are skeptical. ATM creates a fixed channel, or route, between two points whenever data transfer begins. This differs from TCP/IP, in which messages are divided into packets and each packet can take a different route from source to destination. This difference makes it easier to track and bill data usage across an ATM network, but it makes it less adaptable to sudden surges in network traffic.

When purchasing ATM service, you generally have a choice of four different types of service:

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Asynchronous Transfer Mode tutorial 
This tutorial presents an overview of ATM and Gigabit networks and provides links to sections on network descriptions, benefits, switching techniques, definitions, and services.

The ATM Forum 
The ATM Forum site is dedicated to promoting ATM within various markets. There are links to general information about the forum and its members, along with ATM technical and marketing information.

ATM dictionary
Contains definitions for terms associated with ATM.

ATM internetworking paper from Cisco Systems
A table of contents page with links to download the entire paper in either Adobe Acrobat or Postscript.

ATM Tutorials and Resources
Good collection of links to ATM information, including tutorials, papers, FAQs, and forums. This page is hosted by the InterOperability Lab at the University of New Hampshire.

Cell relay FAQ
Provides information on cell relay and ATM technologies.

The ATM Consortium
The ATM Consortium home page offers links to general and membership information, technical information including test suites and equipment lists, and educational information.

The Cell Relay Retreat
Provides a collection of ATM resource information. Included are links to tutorials, documents, trade press resources, archives, and FAQs.