Communication broadcast channel interface

Abstract

The Local Network Architecture (LNA) is an organization of a data communication network where the control and access to the communication channel is handled local to each user device interface. The device interface (Local Netowrk Architecture Interface or LNAI) is an electronic module which interfaces a user with the LNA communication network. This device adapter contains both a network port and a user interface port. This interface accepts user data and fragments it into data packets for shipment over a shared communication medium which is connected to the network port. A communication microprocessor is used to implement the functions of data buffering, routing, sequencing, flow control, acknowledging and error checking of data. Such distributed control eliminates the need for messages in the network to be forwarded to a message flow control process or computer station. Users supported by the system can include microprocessor based systems, programmable controllers, terminal devices, minicomputers and larger host computers. Since users differ in their exact communication conventions certain 'personalities' can be imparted to the LNA device interface. These personalities allow data to be transmitted between users in a full transparent information mode in such a fashion as to be compatible with protocols implemented by those users and at different user transmission rates.