Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM): is a high speed networking protocol commonly used by internet providers to delivery both voice and data services. ATM operated at layer 2(data link layer).
Ethernet: a local area networking protocol which operated at layer 1 and layer 2.
ATM | Ethernet | |
routing | no, connected by ATM swithes | yes, routers are used |
packet size | fixed, 53bytes | variable |
coverage | WAN | LAN |
speed | Mbps | Gbps |
major benefits | ideal for building hub; | backbone as IP runs over Ethernet |