Network for Block Switching of Data

1.1 The Aim of This Paper This paper describes a data network in which addressed blocks of data find their way through a network of interconnected loops. The network does not use common control. Rather, simple customer terminals and simple devices which monitor and interconnect "loops" or "rings" would be added as such a network was brought into being. Thus, the cost and complexity would grow as the network grew. 1.2 The Digital Communication Situation There is an increasing amount of digital traffic associated with computers and computerlike devices. Some of this traffic is highly intermittent but demands good transmission and quick response. Most networks at present available either offer quick response but monopolize a channel (private lines) or require an appreciable setup time (line switching). One approach to handling intermittent, quick-response traffic is to transmit such traffic in blocks around loops or rings. 1-6 This paper describes a system in which simple customer terminals put blocks of 1133