ArbNet: A robust and highly configurable local network

Abstract

ArbNet (arbitrary networks) is a local network architecture with a transmission medium consisting of point-to-point links connected in arbitrary fashion. This network is characterized by high performance and high availability and is robust and aminable to network reconfiguration. An overview of the media access protocol and the interswitch protocol are described, and the results of a simulation study are presented. A comparison of ArbNet's throughput performance with that of Ethernet is carried out. The reliability of the network is discussed. The delay and throughput performance of ArbNet is shown, through simulation, to be dependent on network topology, network size, packet size, and line rate. Its superior performance and lower line rate resemble those of random access LANs. Meshlike ArbNet is also shown to have an aggregate throughput rate of a few times higher than the line rate, and in most cases has a throughput-delay performance superior to that of common-channel LANs, such as Ethernet and token ring. Simulation results show that ArbNets with bus and ring topology perform better than Ethernet. ArbNet is inherently robust because of the use of multiple switches and the availability of alternate paths.