Special Edition Using TCP/IP, Second Edition

Introduction to Asynchronous Transfer Mode

It is estimated that planet Earth has been in existence for more than 4.5 billion years. When we consider such a vast time span, humankind seems to have inhabited this planet for only a microscopic instant of time. However, within this microscopic instant, humankind has made tremendous advances in the quality of its existence. The technological advances made by humankind is unparalleled to any other inhabitant of this planet, right from the primitive cellular organisms to dinosaurs, when seen from the perspective of the origin of humankind as primitive food gathering communities. When we look at these advancements, we realize that need, want, the desire for achievement, and a constant urge for improvement ...