Local area gigabit networking

It is noted that networks using gigabit speeds are just starting to become available and offer a whole new set of problems and potentials. The author addresses what the higher speeds are being used for, the 'standards' efforts specifying the higher-speed channels, the network architectures being proposed, and some of the open problems requiring extensive further work. It is noted that HIPPI (High Performance Parallel Interface) and FC (Fibre Channel) will provide some of the basic building blocks for these networks. Further work needs to be done in higher-layer protocols and long-distance networks to achieve national goals.<>