Atm: Theory and Application (Mcgraw-Hill Series on Computer Communications) [Hardcover]

David E. McDysan (Author), Darren L. Spohn (Author)

Book Description

Series: Mcgraw-Hill Series on Computer Communications | Publication Date: September 1994

This is a working manual of the theory and practical use of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology and ATM-based services. Providing a real-life approach to the technology, this guide offers a high-level summary of all ATM protocols and services. It explains why ATM will provide standard protocol for voice, video and data integration in the 21st century. Also covered are the nuts-and-bolts of ATM network planning, congestion control and traffic engineering, as well as the source of each standard, and information on where to find additional details within the standards.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The most current, most complete, and most "real world" guide ever on ATM.

This landmark reference is the ultimate "in print" database of ATM technology, services, and applications. Emphasizing practice over theory in an engaging, fun-to-read style, the authors present high-level summaries followed up with detailed treatment of all key areas of ATM technology. It is the only book that provides in-depth treatment of such "hot" new protocols as:

• IP and Tag Switching.
• Private Network Network Interface (PNNI).

• LAN Emulation (LANE).

• Understandable View of ATM Signaling.

• Multiprotocol Over ATM (MPOA).

• Available Bit Rate (ABR) flow control.

• Internet ReSerVation Protocol (RSVP).

In addition, ATM Theory and Applications explores the remarkable range of ATM applications, objectively compares ATM with competing technologies, and even offers some provocative predictions about how ATM technology might evolve.

"This update to our best selling book not only provides a working tool for someone wanting to learn ATM, but also provides a reference for the practicing professional applying real-world solutions to business and technology problems."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

David McDysan is responsible for Strategic Planning of Data Services at MCI. He has been an active ATM Forum board member and technical committee chairperson. Recognized as a leader in ATM traffic management and real-world networks, McDysan is a frequent speaker and teacher at industry conferences. He lives in Richardson, Texas. Darren L. Spohn is a principal at Spohn & Associates, an Austin, TX-based consulting firm specializing in network technology management, planning, analysis, and design used to solve business problems. Previously he managed engineering, development, and operations as Chief Technology Officer/VP Engineering & Development and VP Operations for NetSolve, Inc. Prior to that he held engineering, marketing, and management positions with MCI Communications. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 324 pages
• Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill (Tx) (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070603626
• ISBN-13: 978-0070603622
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,457,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Tedious, pompous...but good on certain select topics, December 17, 2001

By 

Alfred S. Jones "Networking Geek" (Falls Church, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ATM Theory and Applications (Paperback)

I turned to this book to understand how the various ATM functions work. I had quite a bit of both practical and conceptual networking background prior to opening this book. As such, I've read quite a number of good and bad technical books on various networking topics.

If you'd rather not read the rest of this review here's the gist. Don't buy this book. Instead, buy Oliver C. Ibe's 'Essentials of ATM Networks and Services'. After you've mastered that, use Mark Miller's 'Analyzing Broadband Networks' to see how ATM Layer PDUs are put together and exchanged in various situations like call setup/teardown etc.

Here's the rest of the review.

Within minutes of reading, I got that old My-Head-Is-Swimming feeling. Not because I couldn't understand what the authors were saying, but more so because I couldn't figure out why on earth I was reading stuff that was irrelevant. Here are a few cases in point:

Every ATM book I've thumbed through religiously talks about the B-ISDN model. And when it starts explaining how something in ATM acutally works (say SSCOP), there is no reference to any of the terms that were introduced and defined in talking about the B-ISDN model. Why talk about the model at all then? This book is no exception.

The vast number of initial pages (285 in fact!) dedicated to talking about things like X.25, FR, multiplexing schemes etc. are useless. If you don't know this stuff, you have no business reading a book dedicated to ATM. And if you're just learning this stuff, there's no way you're going to really understand ATM. And of course, these authors couldn't resist the whole 'business drivers for ATM' nonsense.

The only redeeeming part about the book was Chapter 25 on Traffic Engineering. Just goes to show what technical authors can do when they're talking about stuff they know really really well. This is also the chapter where the authors use language relatively more precisely and concisely - a rare blessing in this overall tedious and pompous book.

Someone ask these guys to check out (...)!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent ATM perception provided, May 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Atm: Theory and Application (Mcgraw-Hill Series on Computer Communications) (Hardcover)

This book is "The Book" to grab an excellent perspective of ATM Technology from Designers / Engineers point of view. Someone having general knowledge of ATM can reach almost an intermediate-expert level after completing this book. It provides a smooth flow in reading and understanding of the subject. The frequently defined acronyms, easily-reachable cross-references and detail comparison of products of ATM vendors certainly add value to the book. A little off-date but it certainly is a "must read".

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Definately not in the "...for Dummies" category., November 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: ATM Theory and Applications (Paperback)

To the point,very detailed study of ATM and it's relationship and interworking with other network access and transport protocols. Not for the networking novice. Especially well done explanations of how other services like Frame Relay, TCP/IP, voice, and video are transported over ATM. I give it 4 stars. This book is aimed at the intermediate and advanced networking types who need an in depth tutorial on ATM network functionality.