Asynchronous Transfer Mode software was designed for the high-speed transfer of voice, video, and data through public and private networks using cell relay technology. ATM combines the benefits of circuit switching with those of packet switching using various features including; fixed-size cells, connection-oriented service, and asynchronous multiplexing.
The basic unit of information used by ATM is a 53 byte cell. The cell data is divided into header information and payload data at a ratio of 5 bytes to 43 respectively. The compact size of the cell lends itself to the transfer of real-time data such as voice and video.
As a data terminal, an ATM needs to be connected to a host processor; this is the equivalent of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) insofar as it acts as a gateway through which various ATM networks become available to the end user. Most host processors can support either a leased-line or dial-up machine, with the former connecting directly to the host processor via a four-wire telephone line. The latter uses a traditional telephone line to connect to the processor using a modem and a toll-free number.
Moving on to the visible components of the cash machine, let's take a look at the operations of the cash dispenser. Using an electric eye to count each note as it exits the dispenser, the eye is able to record all of the outgoing bills in a "journal". The info stored in this journal is automatically printed off, with a hard copy being kept by the ATM owner for 2years.
The dispenser also houses a sensor which evaluates the thickness of each note. This mechanism ensures that the user does not receive too much money if two notes were stuck together for example - if this happens the sensor notices and the bills are rejected. The same process ensures that bills which are overly worn, torn or folded do not make it out of the slot.
ATM software has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, from the first installation of a cash machine in 1967 at the London branch of Barclays bank, to the latest innovations in ATM's with built-in finger vein recognition currently being developed. It is a highly complex and exciting industry, in which the means by which we engage with money and banks is being constantly transformed.
The basic unit of information used by ATM is a 53 byte cell. The cell data is divided into header information and payload data at a ratio of 5 bytes to 43 respectively. The compact size of the cell lends itself to the transfer of real-time data such as voice and video.
As a data terminal, an ATM needs to be connected to a host processor; this is the equivalent of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) insofar as it acts as a gateway through which various ATM networks become available to the end user. Most host processors can support either a leased-line or dial-up machine, with the former connecting directly to the host processor via a four-wire telephone line. The latter uses a traditional telephone line to connect to the processor using a modem and a toll-free number.
Moving on to the visible components of the cash machine, let's take a look at the operations of the cash dispenser. Using an electric eye to count each note as it exits the dispenser, the eye is able to record all of the outgoing bills in a "journal". The info stored in this journal is automatically printed off, with a hard copy being kept by the ATM owner for 2years.
The dispenser also houses a sensor which evaluates the thickness of each note. This mechanism ensures that the user does not receive too much money if two notes were stuck together for example - if this happens the sensor notices and the bills are rejected. The same process ensures that bills which are overly worn, torn or folded do not make it out of the slot.
ATM software has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, from the first installation of a cash machine in 1967 at the London branch of Barclays bank, to the latest innovations in ATM's with built-in finger vein recognition currently being developed. It is a highly complex and exciting industry, in which the means by which we engage with money and banks is being constantly transformed.
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