Testing ATM Interoperability Application Note 
Size: 543 KB
Date: May 2000

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ATM networks have emerged as viable transport technologies within the last few years. However, they do not yet have the stability and maturity of well-established networks such as X.25. Any new X.25 product can be tested and measured against steady components using validated Means of Testing (MoT) before it is introduced to the market. This is far from being the case with ATM. There is no Reference Implementation (RI) yet. In addition, many of the protocols that comprise ATM, such as the signalling protocols, are quite complex, which makes the validation of a new design or product that much more important.

Inter-working these complex systems, which possibly come from different vendors, may also prove to be challenging. There is only one way to increase confidence that ATM products meet their functional specifications and can interwork with other ATM products: using the proper testing techniques.

Hence, testing should be used at all phases of ATM deployment:

• product development
• product validation and network
• integration

This application note describes various testing techniques that are applicable to ATM and that can help achieve ATM interoperability. Concepts and methodologies are explained, and illustrated with practical examples.