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