The Cambridge fast ring networking system

A discussion is presented of the choices facing a designer as faster speeds for local area networks are contemplated. The 100-Mb/s Cambridge fast ring (CFR) is described. The ring protocol allows one of a number of fixed-size slots to be used once or repeatedly. The network design allows sets of rings to be constructed by pushing the bridge function to the lowest hardware level. Low cost and ease of use is normally achieved by design of special chips; two-chip VLSI implementation is described. This VLSI hardware forms the basis of a kit of parts from which many different network components can be constructed.< >