An ATM based architecture for supporting multiple video streams-the CHARISMA ATM card

The CHARISMA project is a RACE II funded investigation into the operation of networked case handling and work flow support tools. It will utilise mixed-media distributed communications to aid multisite case handling operations, and as such, places considerable demands upon its supporting network architecture. The project will utilise high performance PCs as its workstations and servers. A server may be required to simultaneously generate up to four separate video and audio streams. To support this operation, and the demanding requirements of the other workstations in the system, an ATM network based upon dedicated PC cards has been designed by the UK project partners. This paper details the salient features of this card and its operation within a networked environment. The role of the card and its associated driver software in the communications of the CHARISMA workstation is shown in the paper, along with a brief introduction to the communication requirements of the project.<
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