AMICS: ATM-based integrated platform for multimedia services

This paper describes the ATM-based Multimedia Information and Communication System (AMICS), an integrated platform capable of providing broadband networking for future multimedia applications. AMICS supports a full range of multimedia services, from CATV and video on demand to broadband communication services such as video conferencing, distance learning and high-speed data communications. AMICS integrates wired broadband access networks, wireless access networks, and regional transport networks. Furthermore, due to its use of ATM-based technologies, AMlCS can ease the transition to the totally ATM-based telecommunication platforms expected to become commonplace in the next century.