Quality of service and the ATM adaptation layers

This paper provides a tutorial on the ATM adaptation layer (AAL) protocols in conjunction with a discussion of quality of service (QoS) issues. We describe the various traffic classes and explain the relationship of the traffic classes to the various AAL protocols. We discuss the negotiation of a traffic contract prior to connection-set-up and the enforcement of this traffic contract during the connection. Then we present a short case study on the transmission of video across an ATM network by considering the various protocol options and modes of operation available and their advantages and disadvantages.