original_query: What is the purpose of ATM networks?
query: What is the purpose of ATM networks?
answer: ATM networks were designed to handle various types of traffic (voice, data, video) in a single network, integrating telecommunication networks and addressing the needs of the Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN).  It aimed for low jitter and was used in the backbone of the PSTN and ISDN, though largely superseded by IP-based networks.