Cisco AIM-ATM
High Performance ATM Advanced Integration Module
Product Highlights
What's Included
Managing voice and data convergence over ATM backbone networks demands dedicated hardware that won't bottleneck your router's CPU. The Cisco AIM-ATM is a High Performance ATM Advanced Integration Module that delivers hardware-accelerated Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) connectivity for Cisco modular multiservice routers.
The AIM-ATM optimizes the Cisco 2600, 2600XM, 2691, 3660, and 3700 Series routers by providing ATM adaptation layer 2 (AAL2) and ATM adaptation layer 5 (AAL5) support for low-density T1/E1 data and voice connections over ATM networks. By offloading CPU-intensive ATM segmentation and reassembly (SAR) processing to a dedicated coprocessor, the module enables significantly higher throughput rates and frees the router to handle routing, security, and other services.
Installed in an internal AIM slot, the AIM-ATM preserves valuable external WIC and network module slots for additional interfaces. It supports ATM class-of-service features including CBR, VBR-rt, VBR-nrt, ABR, and UBR, along with up to 1,024 AAL2 VCs with up to 255 subchannels each for voice. Whether you're connecting branch offices to an ATM backbone, backhauling cell-site traffic, or integrating legacy ATM infrastructure, the AIM-ATM provides a cost-effective, standards-compliant solution.
Features & Benefits
Dedicated ATM Coprocessor
The AIM-ATM offloads ATM segmentation and reassembly from the router's main CPU to a dedicated hardware coprocessor. This frees CPU cycles for routing, encryption, and other services — enabling significantly higher throughput rates and the ability to run new services and applications simultaneously.
AAL2 & AAL5 Encapsulation
Supports both AAL2 (for trunked voice over ATM) and AAL5 (for data and H.323 VoIP) encapsulation. This dual-mode capability lets you converge voice and data traffic onto a single ATM infrastructure, reducing the need for separate overlay networks and lowering recurring WAN costs.
ATM Quality of Service
Full ATM class-of-service support — CBR, VBR-rt, VBR-nrt, ABR, and UBR — gives you granular traffic shaping and policing. Prioritize latency-sensitive voice traffic while efficiently utilizing available bandwidth for data, ensuring service-level commitments are met.
Slot-Efficient Internal Design
The AIM-ATM installs into an internal AIM slot on compatible Cisco routers, leaving external WIC and network module bays free for additional WAN interfaces, voice modules, or security cards. This maximizes the expandability of your multiservice router platform.
Standards-Based Interoperability
Compliant with ATM Forum UNI 3.0, 3.1, and 4.0 signaling standards, plus RFC 1483 (multiprotocol encapsulation over ATM) and RFC 1577 (classical IP over ATM). This ensures seamless interoperability with third-party ATM switches and carrier ATM services.
Deployment Scenarios
Branch Office ATM WAN Connectivity
Connect remote branch offices to a central ATM backbone for converged voice and data services. The AIM-ATM enables cost-effective T1/E1 ATM uplinks on Cisco 2600 or 3700 Series routers, delivering QoS-assured connectivity without requiring a standalone ATM access device.
Cell-Site Backhaul Optimization
Wireless service providers can use the AIM-ATM with AAL1 circuit emulation service (CES) to backhaul cell-site traffic over ATM T1/E1 lines. Hardware-based SAR processing ensures efficient bandwidth utilization and low-latency transport from cell towers to the mobile switching center.
Legacy ATM Network Integration
Enterprises maintaining legacy ATM infrastructure can extend the life of their investment by integrating Cisco multiservice routers with the AIM-ATM. The module bridges ATM and IP domains, supporting PVCs, SVCs, and multiprotocol encapsulation for a smooth migration path.
General
Performance & Protocols
Physical
Environmental
Software
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Router Platforms
- Cisco 2600 Series
- Cisco 2600XM Series
- Cisco 2691
- Cisco 2811, 2821, 2851 (requires Cisco IOS 12.3(8)T4 or later)
- Cisco 3660
- Cisco 3700 Series (3725, 3745)
Software Requirements
- Cisco IOS Plus or SP Services feature sets with ATM support
Physical Interface Requirements
- ATM T1/E1 connectivity requires compatible multiflex trunk VWICs (e.g., VWIC-1MFT-T1, VWIC-2MFT-T1/E1, VWIC2-1MFT-T1/E1, VWIC2-2MFT-T1/E1) installed in WIC slots, or NM-xFE2W / NM-2W / NM-HDV network modules
Installation
- Installs in an internal AIM slot (no external ports on the module itself)
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| AIM-ATM-1T1/E1 | AIM-ATM T1/E1 Bundle | Bundles the AIM-ATM with a VWIC2-1MFT-T1/E1 for a single T1/E1 ATM connection out of the box |
| AIM-ATM-4T1/E1 | AIM-ATM 4-Port T1/E1 IMA Bundle | Bundles the AIM-ATM with two VWIC2-2MFT-T1/E1 cards for up to four T1/E1 ATM ports with IMA support |
| AIM-ATM-VOICE-30 | ATM SAR & 30-Channel Voice/Fax AIM | Combines ATM SAR with a 30-channel voice/fax DSP — ideal when both ATM and high-density voice are needed in one AIM slot |
| NM-1A-T3/E3 | ATM T3/E3 Network Module | Provides a high-speed ATM T3/E3 uplink for routers needing greater ATM bandwidth than T1/E1 |