Transmission of MPEG2 applications over ATM networks

Abstract

ATM, the Asynchronous Transfer Mode cell-based switching technique, was finally recognized in 1992 by the relevant International standardization entities, as the switching and multiplexing solution for implementing the future Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN). Because of its service-independent characteristics. ATM will provide B-ISDN with capabilities for integrated support of a wide range of services in a very flexible and efficient way. Transmission of multimedia services in the B-ISDN is currently being addressed by several Study Groups of ITU-T and ETSI. In addition to identifying the required network capabilities and to defining the functional model of multimedia services in the B-ISDN, the possible alternatives for performing the multiplexing operation of the different components of a multimedia application are also being evaluated. The MPEG2 standard (ISO/EEC 13818), which is now in its final phase of specification, is being accepted worldwide as the appropriate coding technique to implement almost all types of video applications and multimedia services involving good-quality full-motion video. It seems therefore important to evaluate the alternatives for performing the multiplexing operation of the elementary components of an MPEG2-based multimedia application over ATM networks. In fact, different Study Groups of both ITU-T and ETSI, as well as the ATM Forum, are now evaluating alternatives for mapping MPEG2 streams into ATM cells.