Large capacity multiplex-port brouter for regional PC communication network system

We have developed a cost-effective regional computer communication network system and examined its implementation. The system provides a LAN environment and group communication services to the customers. The main system components are: the intelligent bridge circuit, called the low-end card (LEC), the center brouter (bridging router), and the management server. The LEC is set up in the subscriber's household and provides the popular Ethernet interface (10 Base-T). The leased circuits are connected between the LEC and the center brouter. The LEC and the brouter are controlled by the management server to function as the group communication system. The brouter, which has a multiplex subscriber-port interface, is required to accommodate a lot of customers cost effectively. This paper presents the system design of a large-capacity brouter having a SDH/SONET multiplex-port interface and its operation. The brouter can accommodate up to approximately 2700 subscribers. Ethernet packets are transferred through each subscriber channel between the LEC and the brouter using the HDLC protocol. A group communication mechanism based on packet filtering via the MAC addresses of PCs is presented. The Ethernet packets are filtered by the brouter to eliminate all packets except those from/to the same group members. The group management operation among the center brouter, the LEC, and the management server is discussed.