Heterogeneous networking for computers and communications in broadband environment

The evolution of broadband networks through heterogeneous networking among the set of broadband networks that are being developed, i.e., broadband ISDN, (B-ISDN), fiber distributed data interface (FDDI) LAN, MAN, and distributed queue dual bus (DQDB), is considered. The evolution scenario based on business customer needs is stressed. The interworking requirements are outlined, and the strategies in developing heterogeneous networks to support computer communications through connectionless services and telecommunications through connection oriented (CO) services are proposed. A performance evaluation of the interworking unit (IWU) is presented. The delay characteristics of CO and connectionless (CL) services are presented.>