Abstract: A local area network employs a shared control channel over which control messages between frequency agile modems for each of the user nodes of a distributed architecture-configured network are exchanged. In addition to the shared control channel, a plurality of data channel pairs is available for effecting full duplex communications between any two nodes of the network. Because all data channel assignments depend upon successful use of the control channel, a prescribed control channel contention access scheme is employed to optimize use of the control channel by all users of the network irrespective of the demand for its use. Pursuant to this scheme, each requesting node must first compare an accumulated activity measure with a traffic density threshold that is continuously optimized for the current level of control channel activity.

Abstract: Equalizers are commonly used in digital data signaling systems to reduce the effects of intersymbol interference on a signal received over a transmission channel. However, conventional equalizers are relatively slow due to their use of multipliers. Also, generally such equalizers are limited to providing a linear response to the received input signal samples. Accordingly, to provide a high-speed equalizer which is capable of both linear and nonlinear response, a transmission channel signal containing intersymbol interference is passed through a delay means which provides sequential Q-bit samples of said transmission channel signal. These Q-bit samples are then applied to a weighting means which includes a memory having stored equalizing weighting values which are accessed in accordance with the Q-bit samples to provide predetermined weighted output words in response to the Q-bit samples. These output words can be either linear or nonlinear with respect to the Q-bit samples.