Multiple-local area networks interconnected by a switch

Abstract

Local area networks are dynamically connected to one another by a switching system only when there is a packet to be exchanged between the two local area networks, otherwise the local area networks operate as separate and independent local area networks. The switching system can concurrently interconnect multi-pairs of local area networks together. The overall capacity of the local area networks interconnected via the switching system is increased since the local area networks operate free of other local area networks except when directly exchanging packets with another local area network. The switching system comprises a space switching unit and switch interface units with each switch interface unit interconnecting an individual local area network to the space switching unit. When a first switch interface unit receives a packet from a connected local area network destined for another local area network, the first switch interface unit establishes a first unilateral path to the other local area network and determines if the other local area network is idle. If the other local area network is idle, the first switch interface unit establishes a second unilateral path from the connected local area network to the other local area network via the space switching unit so that the packet from the connected local area network can be transmitted to the other local area network.