Feature comparison of gigabit ethernet versus ATM for the digital radiology environment

This paper addresses the challenges that the clinical information systems manager faces when selecting a core network technology to meet the ever increasing demand for bandwidth and efficiency in the digital radiology environment. Important metrics include network performance, reliability, cost, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. This work presents and compares the salient features of the two predominant high-speed radiology network solutions; asynchronous transfer mode (ATM.) and gigabit Ethernet. Its goal is to enable the information systems manager to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of the radiology department. Since these two technologies are more complementary than competitive, a perspective of the benefits and risks of selecting each technology is presented. Recommendations are then made based upon the criteria presented from the overall clinical task.