ATM is a networking standard that supports both voice and data over high speed networks. It divides data into small, fixed-length packets called cells. An ATM network consists of end systems and switches, with switches responsible for routing cells. The ATM reference model includes control, user, and management planes. It operates at the physical and data link layers, using cells transported over virtual connections. ATM defines cell formats for the User-Network Interface and Network-Network Interface. ATM switches support these interfaces to connect end systems and other switches.