New ATM-Switching Technology Boasts Trillion-Bit Network Potential

Scientists at Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs have demonstrated a switching technology that they say will allow communications networks to control 1 trillion bits of information simultaneously; network systems now handle up to 20 Gb/s. The prototype switching architecture is based on Lucent's current device technology -- the GlobeView 2000 -- and uses asynchronous transfer mode techniques. Lucent says that the system would facilitate simultaneous, high-speed data transmission, allowing faster Internet connection and quicker video download capabilities.