Twelve random access strategies for the fiber optic networks

Twelve random-access strategies that do not constrain the distance or transmission rate of a network, and can use the capabilities of fiber-optic components, are described and compared. The twelve strategies consist of three protocols, each of which can use two timing arrangements and two network-access devices. The three protocols are the standard ALOHA protocol, LCSMA, and LCSMA/CD. The last two protocols operate on linear-unidirectional networks and use local information at the transmitter to increase the throughput of the system. The networks considered have a common point that all transmitted signals pass through before being received. This makes two timing arrangements possible; a slotted system or an unslotted system. The taps on the network can be either passive or active