A Tree LAN with Collision Avoidance: Photonic Switch Design and Simulated Performance

Abstract In order to solve a performance bottleneck due to collisions and their resolution in random access LANs, a new network architecture called CAMB (Collision Avoidance Multiple Broadcast) Tree Network is proposed in a companion paper. It is based on collision avoidance switches, which allow the implementation of random access protocols without the penalty of collisions among packets. After briefly describing the CAMB Tree, we discuss the suitability of this network for high-speed, lightwave communications, and we propose a possible implementation of a collision avoidance switch using current photonic technology. We then present simulation results and show how the CAMB Tree performance depends on network traffic conditions.