ATM LAN EMULATION

Many of the most common protocols al layers two (media access), three (network), and above expect to operate over broadcast media such as IE EE 802.3/Ethernet or IEEE 802.5/token ring. LAN emulation provides a w idely applicable means for transitioning these protocols to the connec tion-oriented ATM environment. A combination of centralized and distri buted intelligence allows a star-plus-mesh topology of ATM virtual cir cuits to emulate broadcast media, while providing most of the advantag es of connection-oriented media.