Chapter 10: Managing High-Speed Packet Networks

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10.1 Introduction

There are four types of services that qualify as “fast packet.” Frame relay offers up to 45 Mbps, ATM up to 622 Mbps, and Ethernet at up to 40 Gbps. IP also qualifies as a fast-packet service, since it is capable of running across frame relay, ATM, and Ethernet. These services, available as wired or wireless, can be obtained from numerous carriers, or they can be set up and managed as private networks.

All of these fast-packet technologies were developed for specific types of applications, but IP is playing a growing role in corporate communications and is viewed by many as the most economical means for achieving voice-data convergence. Under this concept, all types of traffic are capable of running over a single data network, rather than multiple networks, as is the case today. In fact, all of the major carriers and equipment makers have a strategy for migrating customers to IP networks exclusively.

This migration has already started. Service providers like IDT specialize in offering telephone service over a managed IP network, the quality of which is indistinguishable from calls over the PSTN. In the equipment realm, routers no longer support data exclusively, but voice as well. Modules and software can be added to routers to support voice over IP, whether the actual carrier-provided service is frame relay, ATM, or IP. Moreover, the router is equipped with protocols that give preference to voice, rather than routine data that is more tolerant of delay.

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