A Subcarrier Multiplexed Network (scm-Net) Architecture for Multigigabit/Second Heterogeneous Data Transmission

The basic architecture of a multigigabit per second local area network which utilizes a subcarrier multiplexed optical carrier to provide multiple asynchronous information channels is described. The network is design for high-capacity transmission of data, voice, and video traffic simultaneously using variable-length datagrams, ATM-cells, and circuit-switched video. Multi-user access to the information channels is provided through a separate control channel which uses a simple "token passing" protocol. A significant advantage of the SCM-NET design is that medium-speed node controllers operating at roughly 25 MHz can efficiently control several gigabits of information per second through switched access to the various subcarrier multiplexed channels.