A MEDIA-ACCESS PROTOCOL FOR TIME-DIVISION AND WAVELENGTH-DIVISION MULTIPLEXED PASSIVE STAR NETWORKS

A new media access protocol is presented for time- and wavelength-divi sion multiplexed optical passive star networks. The protocol is based on a new ''Bus-Mesh'' virtual topology. The network provides minimum l atency and high throughput, while requiring only a single fixed wavele ngth transmitter and receiver at each station. The use of nonagile, fi xed wavelength devices, readily available with current technology, red uces costs, improves reliability, and avoids any tuning delays and lim itations. The multihop access protocol operates effectively in an envi ronment with lengthy propagation delays. The wavelength-division multi plexing system is required to support only a small, easily achievable number of wavelength channels.