This article proposes active-ATM, a flexible, simple and cost-effective ATM- WAN architecture that can handle multiple user-customized ATM-layer protocols, such as ABR and ABT: by using a simple universal ATM transit network. The proposed active-ATM architecture enables the construction of flexible networks that can evolve easily. With active-ATM and the ATM multi-protocol emulation, network architecture called ALPEN, it is easy to implement neu, ATM-layer protocol by using user-created programs called active-program capsules that modify only the edge nodes. Because these user-sent program capsules can be used to quickly customize the edge nodes, there is no waiting for standardization and implementation of new services. The ATM-layer protocols are emulated only at the edge nodes, making the transit network independent of customer ATM-layer protocols. The active-ATM edge node a's based on the flexible programmable node architecture called PUN (programmable unified node). The PUN is a platform for user-programmable ATM-layer services; it is achieved by using programmable devices, such as FPGAs and DSPs. An prototype system has demonstrated the flexibility of the resulting A TM network. The simple and high-speed universal ATM transit network; periodically reports to the edge nodes the performance of the its routes by using cyclic periodical route performance check sequences; which sequences are independent of the ATM-layer protocols. Their information is used by the edge nodes to manage the user cell rates in real time. Active-ATM is thus a cost-effective architecture. Flexible; adaptive, and sophisticated protocols that efficiently utilize network resources can be easily supported by the network's edge nodes. The active-ATM architecture is an efficient approach to implementing multimedia, multi-protocol ATM services in an ATM WAN.