G
LOSSARY
AAL
ATM Adaptation Layer. Translates packets of data to 53-byte
cells for transmission on the network. The layers are defined
to provide different classes of service for ATM connections,
and to provide a method of mapping data from a particular
class of service into ATM cells in such a way that the data can
be remapped into its original format at the other end of an
ATM network.
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode. Also called “cell relay.” A switched,
connection-oriented technology for local area networks (LANs)
and wide area networks (WANs). ATM accommodates a mix of
data types such as audio, video, and data on a single network.
ATM Forum
An industry organization with over 300 members that is working
to define ATM networking protocols. The group is defining and
tailoring existing specifications to make ATM LANs a reality.
ATM LAN
Topology that consists of ATM switches and computer
interfaces that provide high data rate connectivity for voice,
video, and data (IP, SNA, and multimedia).
BUS
Broadcast and Unknown Server. A server within LAN emulation
(for ATM networks) that has the ability to receive broadcast
requests from all other stations on the network, and forward
them to a multicast switch. The switch, in turn, broadcasts the
requests to all other stations on the network.