COMSAT's ATM satellite services

COMSAT's new ATM satellite service employs advanced satellite interface technology to transport high quality ATM traffic in a bandwidth efficient way. In the life-cycle planning for these interface devices new features may soon be added that will enable processing of switched virtual circuits, extend the data compression feature for input rates up to 8 Mbit/s, add SNMP-based equipment control, and allow optional terrestrial interfaces that can accommodate frame relay traffic. Alpha and beta tests have been completed for the ALA and ALE, with results showing that performance standards are met when ALA/ALE devices are deployed between the ATM switch and the modem. As these ATM-enabling interfaces are deployed commercially, international expansion of ATM networks via satellite will have real potential.