Parallel host interface for an ATM network

The design of a parallel protocol processing system for a host system connected to an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network is described. Interesting aspects of the design are that the AAL5 adaptation layer is realized in hardware directly on the network adapter, and that the network adapter semetric interfaces to a multiprocessor using the processor's memory bus. Support also exists for implementing parallel protocols up to and including the application layer. Parallel implementations of TCP/IP, ISO Session, and presentation protocols are outlined.<
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