LCNET: ethernet concepts+ubiquitous RS232C ports=Low Cost NETwork

The LCNET is a very low cost local-area network consisting of single-board micro-computers. The network hardware adapts standard RS232C input--output ports to drive a common contention bus. The network software supports an Ethernet-like protocol that has been tailored to experimental distributed operating systems. A unique variable-length-packet management scheme provides efficient handling of large data objects throughout the network.