On a MAC Protocol Based on Distributed Cycles

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel transmission scheduling scheme applicable to high-speed ring networks. The essence of the proposed scheme is a special marker, called the terminator, circulating in the ring. The maximum normalised throughput, of our protocol does not degrade with the increasing propagation length of the ring and the stations endure small access delays under light load. Our protocol also offers a full-scale isochronous service without any need for fixed reservations, negotiations, or other preparatory stages.