Unlike many books on Asynchronous Transfer Mode, this text approaches the subject systematically and reflects the state-of-the-art technology being applied throughout the world today. In addition, it provides a fundamental source of reference in the ATM research field. The following topics are discussed in detail: • traffic modelling and characterisation • traffic and congestion control • bandwidth and admission control • ATM switch architecture • models of ATM switches • routing and optimisation • quality of service • network management • high speed LANs and MANs • performance modelling studies