Architecture of hierarchical integrated LAN based on FDDI

The Fibre Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), proposed by the ANSI as a high-speed interface standard within large scale computer systems, is expected to be adopted as an integrative means of communication among LANs. This integrative means is termed 'backbone LAN' and each 802 LAN is termed 'branch LAN'. Furthermore, the system, hierarchically consisting of a backbone LAN and its branch LANs, is termed 'hierarchical integrated local area network (HI LAN)'. First of all HI LANs architecture is presented, namely the concept, the model, the communication protocols, the communication methods for internal relaying among branch LANs through a backbone LAN. Then the implementation techniques based on HI LANs concept are described. Finally the relaying efficiency is evaluated with respect to each different address system assigned to the terminals in branch LANs.<>