The performance of public available bit rate (ABR) service is discusse
d in connection with the evolution of ATM switches. Public networks wi
th first-generation switches provide ABR service with a limited peak c
ell rate (PCR), while those with second-generation switches can provid
e ABR service with any PCR. In such networks, TCP-over-ABR work; well.
Point-to-multipoint ABR will be provided in advanced switches. A meth
od is proposed for maintaining the throughput of point-to-multipoint A
BR when the number of leaves is increased.