Topology and MAC Layer Access Protocol Investigation for Industrial Optical Fibre LANs

Abstract The application of optical fibre communications technology is advocated for LANs to be employed within an industrial environment. Attributes and drawbacks associated with possible topologies for optical fibre LANs are discussed, and reasons are advanced for the use of a multiple star topology for industrial LANs. Consideration is then given to the use of MAC layer access protocols with industrial traffic, including probable asymmetric traffic loads. A novel adaptive hybrid token-passing CSMA/CD access protocol is suggested for use with a passive star-based industrial optical fibre LAN. Operating details of the hybrid protocol are described together with its computer simulated performance characteristics. In this way, the novel hybrid protocol is shown to perform efficiently with both symmetric and asymmetric traffic load distributions.

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