Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to ATM network structures. ATM has a greater cost, and he standards and products used to transmit ATM are still in flux, unlike the proven paradigm of Ethernet. In addition, system complexity is reduced in gigabit Ethernet, and because it works with existing Ethernet formats, the system does not require emulation software to act as a gateway between an Ethernet LAN and an ATM network. Table 1 outlines how Ethernet and gigabit Ethernet offer the same benefits of ATM.