Abstract: A local net area network, or LAN, configuration is provided with a multiple generic LAN channel architecture which can be logically and dynamically changed. The configuration control can be applied to each module of the network and to each port of a module of a LAN hub. The architecture provides multiple LAN protocols to be used simultaneously, as needed, through protocol specific functions. Industry standard protocol such as: token bus, token ring, and fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), can be implemented using the generic channel architecture and its characteristics providing respective network functions. The architecture also provides a digital collision detection method and provides information necessary for precise network statistics monitoring. The token passing ring architecture provides a logical ring formation within the generic channel. A token passing bus architecture uses modified Ethernet.TM.

Abstract: A local net area network, or LAN, configuration is provided with a multiple generic LAN channel architecture which can be logically and dynamically changed. The configuration control can be applied to each module of the network and to each port of a module of a LAN hub. The architecture provides multiple LAN protocols to be used simultaneously, as needed, through protocol specific functions. Industry standard protocol such as: token bus, token ring, and fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), can be implemented using the generic channel architecture and its characteristics providing respective network functions. The architecture also provides a digital collision detection method and provides information necessary for precise network statistics monitoring. The token passing ring architecture provides a logical ring formation within the generic channel. A token passing bus architecture uses modified Ethernet.TM.

Abstract: A collision signal detection system for shared, multi-user, frequency-division-multiplexed transmission media includes a plurality of listening stations connected to the shared, multi-user, frequency-division-multiplexed transmission media. The listening stations receive and transmit signals including data signals within a databand. A collision signal means is associated with each of the plurality of listening stations for sending a collision enforcement signal from one of the plurality of listening stations to the other ones of the plurality of stations after a data collision has been detected at the first station, the collision enforcement signal having a frequency within the data band. A central station is provided with an input connected with the output of each of the listening stations and an output connected with the input of each of the listening stations with all signals passing through the central station.

Abstract: A new preamplifier for use in fiber-optic receiver applications, or other applications in which a signal detector such as a photodiode is used that exhibits a large input capacitance to the receiver circuitry. The preamplifier combines transimpedance features to generate a voltage output from a current input signal generated by photodiodes used in such applications, and bootstrap features in which the capacitance of the photodiode is bootstrapped to reduce its effect on the receiver.