Reconstructing transmission networks using ATM and DWDM

TDM transmission and ATM switching have been established as two wide area core network technologies, operating separately but in conjunction with each other at different layers of the protocol stack. History shows that transmission networks have been reconstructed on a regular basis, and the reconstruction, based on fiber, SONET, and DWDM (dense wave division multiplexing), allows TDM transmission capabilities to be integrated with ATM switches, resulting in increased transmission efficiencies, effective bandwidth management, and greatly reduced capital, operational, and maintenance costs.