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Building an ATM Wide Area Network

July 26, 1999
By David Willis

Accessing the Network
Correctly determining the access method for each site in your network is critical. If you outgrow the local loops used for access, it is a time-consuming and expensive process to upgrade. Access is often the most expensive single component, so you won't want to oversize these pipes either.

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Most carriers offer a range of access methods, from sub-T1 speed ADSL to OC-3 or higher. T1 UNI access is typically the lowest speed available from most carriers. Alternatively, DXI and FUNI may be offered, but UNI interfaces are always preferred. FUNI should only be considered when retrofitting or replacing existing equipment with ATM interfaces is too expensive, and when Frame Relay to ATM service interworking isn't an option. It most cases DXI should not be considered, as it doesn't provide the link quality monitoring found in FUNI or UNI.

Inverse Multiplexing for ATM (IMA) closes the wide access speed (and cost) gap between T1 (1.5 Mbps) and DS3 (45 Mbps) by passing cells over a bundle of T1 circuits to a common destination. Most carriers offer speed at 3 and 6 Mbps, with other speeds negotiable. If you elect to use IMA, be sure that your equipment complies with the ATM Forum's IMA specification, as there are a variety of proprietary aggregation methods that you should avoid. Beyond IMA, DS3 and OC3 services are widely available, but pricey, options. A rare few local carriers offer fractional DS3 services.



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