Integrated MANs with hierarchical architecture

A description is given of metropolitan area networks (MANs) for integrated services that consist of local clusters connected through bridges to a backbone network. The services integration as well as the required flow control functions are obtained with simple procedures which operate at the media access control (MAC) level. The effectiveness of this hierarchical architecture is evaluated in the case where the local clusters and the backbone network are implemented using L-express buses. The efficiency of this architecture is compared with that of other alternatives and detailed performance results in saturation condition, obtained with simulations, are presented