The layer of the ATM protocol stack that handles most of the processing and routing activities. These include building the ATM header, cell multiplexing/demultiplexing, cell reception and header validation, cell routing using VPIs/VCIs, payload-type identification, quality of service specification, a nd flow control and prioritization.
The middle layer of the ATM model that sits between the physical layerand the ATM adaptation layer. The ATM layer roughly corresponds to the data-linklayer of the OSI model. Standards at the ATM layer specify how to establish,clear, and maintain ATM virtual circuits.