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ATM Testing

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is high speed transmission technology involving high bandwidth and low delay with a 53-byte, fixed-sized cells. A cell consists of a header and information field that is allocated to services on demand. Each cell contains a 48-octet payload. The network receives each cell on a start-stop basis, or asynchronously. ATM was the first technology to be adopted as a worldwide standard for computer and communications. It allocates bandwidth according to demand for voice, data and video.

ATM Testing Solutions
When testing ATM, it is best to have a flexible and scalable test system that is modular and multi-port. The system should be able to test multiple transmission technologies of not only ATM but IP, Frame Relay and Ethernet simultaneously at speeds up to 10 Gbps. Field-programmable test modules and interchangeable interfaces make testing easier and support a variety of technologies and connection types. The software should enable conformance testing and performance testing under the most extreme conditions and demands.

Testing procedures should include high-capacity control and data-plane testing to validate scalability, reliability and performance prior to deployment. End-to-end testing simulates traffic from subscriber edge through the core backbone. Device and network performance levels should be tested to reduce cost and time requirements.

The MFA Forum
In October 2006, the MFA Forum approved five new technical specifications, including two for multi-service Interworking. The MFA is driving the convergence of ATM, Frame Relay and IP/MPLS technologies in the global telecom industry.

Specifications from MFA Forum

• The Multi-Service Interworking - Ethernet over MPLS (MFA Forum 12.0.0) for delivery of Ethernet services utilizing an MPLS core network.
• The Fault Management for Multi-Service Interworking over MPLS Version 1.0 (MFA Forum 13.0.0) specification allowing service providers to detect and isolate faults, and propagate alarms to minimize or avoid service outages, and thus meet customer service expectations.
• The High Speed Connections (MFA Forum 11.0.0) specification defines a maximum rate of approximately 1.8 Terabits per second for data transfer between storage servers, maximizing optical links when ATM is part of the network solution.
• The ATM and Frame Relay to MPLS Control Plane Interworking: Client-Server (MFA Forum 10.0.0) specification defines the control plane and protocol interworking procedures for ATM and Frame Relay connections across an IP/MPLS network using pseudo wires, simplifying migration from ATM to next-generation multi-service packet networks. The specification is designed to protect carrier investment in current services and revenue streams while enabling emerging IP applications and services.