A programmable ATM/AAL interface for gigabit network applications

A generic ATM/AAL (asynchronous-transfer-mode/ATM-adaptation-layer) interface using a microprogrammable machine whose architecture can handle different AAL protocols in a very flexible manner is proposed. This generic interface may facilitate cost-effective implementations of broadband terminal adapters and would allow experimentation with new AAL protocols. An initial implementation of this concept in the form of an experimental prototype ATM/AAL interface for the Nectar gigabit testbed is discussed. This prototype can handle three of the existing AALs and serves to identify common architectural elements of a microprogrammable machine.<
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