Adaptive and portable TDMA LAN with a bus topology

The authors propose a novel system configuration which achieves TDMA (time division multiple access) functions on a bus topology line connecting a center node with multiple stations. The center node sends synchronizing frame signals and adaptively controls channel allocation to each active station response to its traffic requirements. The center node gives all active stations a temporary ordinal number to allow communication between them. This numbering function and the bus topology provide high portability for terminal connection, while the channel allocation procedure produces maximum transmission efficiency. Also, TDMA can transmit both circuit exchange signals and packet signals. An effective and efficient registration technique is proposed which is achieved by designing an adaptor circuit for each terminal to provide the center node with its physical location