The design and implementation of the first ATM Switching system of China (Named BTC -9500) was started in 1993. The prototype was completed in 1995. Much field trial has been done since then, with the development of China´s broadband network. The prototype has been improved as well.

BTC - 9500 was then transferred to Shanghai Bell for manufacturing and marketing. It has been used in China´s nation wide broadband backbones. It was named China´s Important New Product, and won prizes from both the Nation and the Ministry of Information Industry.

The research on the BTC - 9500 networking unveiled the disadvantage of ATM switch/IP router combination. The scheme of switching both ATM cells and IP datagram within a single switching fabric was proposed and implemented in BTC - 9500.The cost is reduced. The network is simplified. A model of new generation platform that supports multi-service switching is given.

Based on the experience, some viewpoints on the development of the new generation network are proposed in this paper.