Design of a network interface adapter for Hybrid-LANs

Since local area networks (LANs) have become a vital part of modern computing, a great deal of effort has been devoted to their design, standardization, and implementation. Most of these work have been based on a simple linear bus or ring topology (Ethernet, Token Bus, and Token Ring). The linear bus and ring topology networks have significant disadvantages in certain applications. However, some of the problems in existing LANs can be solved with hybrid-architecture LANs such as Hybrid-Token Ring and Hybrid-Ethernet. The Hybrid-LANs allow an insertion or deletion of data links in existing local area networks such as Ethernet or token ring. This paper discusses a design of a network interface adapter (NLA) suitable for the Hybrid-LANs. Efficient load sharing through two communication channels is an important junction of the NLA. The design of the message distribution device for a dynamic loading of messages is presented. This research provides a basic foundation for the implementation of Hybrid-LANs as well as other hybrid-type architecture LANs.