A/I Net: a network that integrates ATM and IP

Future networks need both connectionless and connection-oriented services. IP and ATM are major examples of the two types. Connectionless IP is more efficient for browsing, e-mail, and other non-real-time services; but for services demanding quality and real-time delivery, connection-oriented ATM is a much better candidate. Given the popularity of the Internet and the established status of ATM as the broadband transport standard, it is unlikely that one can replace the other. Therefore, the challenge we face lies in finding an efficient way to integrate the two. This article describes a research project reflecting this trend. The project aims at efficient integration of the two to eliminate the deficiencies of a standalone ATM or IP network.