Multiple channel multiple contention local area networks
Shuping Chang · 1990
Multiple channel network architecture has been proposed for broadcasting based local area networks to overcome the problem of deteriorating performance for CSMA and CSMA/CD systems when a very high speed communication channel is used. This is the so called Multiple channel Local Area Network (M-LAN). This new architecture of LANs provides a two dimensional surface (time and channel space) to solve the multiple access conflicts instead of just one dimensional surface (time) in the traditional systems. Although multiple channels are available in an M-LAN, single channel contention is still followed by most of the protocols proposed so far for CSMA and CSMA/CD protocols. By allowing multiple transmission attempts for a packet, we then have so called multiple channel multiple contention local area networks (MM-LANs). A thorough study of multiple channel architecture with random access protocols having the multiple contention feature is presented which covers ALOHA, CSMA and CSMA/CD protocols. For MM-ALOHA system, a cycle approach is used to build up a performance analysis model which is different from the previously proposed work. The analytical model has validated to be correct and accurate by simulation results. Due to the complexity of MM-CSMA and MM-CSMA/CD protocols, simulation is used to discover interesting system characteristics. The system behavior resulted from multiple sensing and multiple transmission has been identified separately for carrier sensing protocols. A protocol suitable for MM-LAN implementation is then proposed. Furthermore, a mixed protocol which combines CSMA/CD and announcement reservation schemes is also presented for data/voice integration services on a twin-bus local area network.