A Media-Access Protocol for Time- and Wavelength-Division Multiplexed Passive Star Networks

A new media access protocol is presented for time and wavelength division multiplexed optical passive star networks. The protocol is based on a new \Bus-Mesh" virtual topology. The network provides minimum latency and high throughput while requiring only a single xed wavelength transmitter and receiver at each station. The use of non-agile, xed wavelength devices, readily available with current technology, reduces costs, improves reliability and avoids any tuning delays and limitations. The multihop access protocol operates eeectively in an environment with lengthy propagation delays. The wavelength division multiplexing system is required to support only a small, easily achievable, number of wavelength channels.