SILK: An Implementation of a Buffer Insertion Ring

Ring topology local area networks (LAN's) using the "buffer insertion" access method have as yet received relatively little attention. In this paper we present details of a LAN of this,type, called SILK-system for integrated local communication (in German, "Kommunikation"). Sections of the paper describe the synchronous transmission technique of the ring channel, the time-multiplexed access of eight ports at each node, the "braided" interconnection for bypassing defective nodes, and the role of interface transformation units and user interfaces, as well as some traffic characteristics and reliability aspects. SILK's modularity and open system concept are demonstrated by the already implemented applications such as distributed text editing, local telephone or teletex exchange, and process control in a TV studio.