d lift network efficiency. They recognized each having a very short duration. that significant economic benefits could be achieved once The circuit that combines signals at the source the data traffic and voice traffic were integrated onto (transmitting) end of a communications link is known as a single network. Because ATM has been around for a multiplexer. It accepts the input from each individual a decade or more, claiming to be a multimedia technology, end user, breaks each signal into segments, and assigns most of the service providers have started installing single the segments to the composite signal in a rotating, re- ATM infrastructure to support voice, video, and data peating sequence. The composite signal thus contains transfer. Initially, there were a lot of technical issues that data from all the end users. At the other end of the were unaddressed, which basically hampered the growth long-distance cable, the individual signals are separated of VTOA. Thanks to the efforts of the ATM Forum and its out by means of a circuit called a demultiplexer and then members, these issues have been addressed and it is now routed to the proper end users. A two-way communi- possible to build and operate an ATM network to meet cations circuit requires a multiplexer/demultiplexer at the needs of various types of voice application. each end of the long-distance, high-bandwidth cable. Many in the telecommunications industry believe If many signals must be sent along a single long- ATM will revolutionize the way networks are designed distance line, careful engineering is required to ensure and managed because ATM combines the best that the system will perform properly. An asset of TDM features of two common transmission methods. Its is its flexibility. The scheme allows for variation in the connection-oriented nature makes ATM a reliable service number of signals being sent along the line, and con- for delay-sensitive applications such as voice, video, or stantly adjusts the time intervals to make optimum use of multimedi