Gigabit local area networks

Advanced multimedia communications involving high-resolution graphics, high-definition video, supercomputing, and real-time control of complex experimental systems are driving the need for very-high-speed interconnection of computers, workstations and a variety of specialized data sources. The need for such interconnections is expected to exceed the capability of 100 Mb/s FDDI within the next few years, thus a variety of approaches to the design of gigabit Local Area Networks are now emerging. This paper describes work at GTE Laboratories to develop an experimental, Gigabit-per-second, ATM-oriented Local Area Network that will accommodate a wide class of users with different operating requirements. This G-LAN is expected to be compatible with the future ATM/SONET-based B-ISDN.