A low-cost software-intensive local area network

A project at the University of Zimbabwe to develop a LAN (local area network) at an appropriate level of technology for the country is described. The network uses a ring configuration, with hardware nodes of extreme simplicity to redirect signals through the serial ports of the computers. The software package uses concurrent processing to achieve packet identification and addressing, as well as menu-driven transmit options. A hardware controller unit is included in the network; it uses a microcontroller to provide fundamental network control and monitoring services.