Abstract: A method of communicating through a passive optical network (PON) that improves the efficiency of the network with low cost child apparatuses having only simple functions. A parent apparatus provides the child apparatuses with a multi-frame standard signal, and a child apparatus transfers asynchronous information as a frame of variable length, as it is, at a time delayed from the multi-frame standard signal by a time period designated by the parent apparatus. Since the asynchronous information does not need to be divided into pieces to which a frame header is attached, the efficiency of the uplink channel is increased.

Abstract: A method of communicating through a passive optical network (PON) that improves the efficiency of the network with low cost child apparatuses having only simple functions. A parent apparatus provides the child apparatuses with a multi-frame standard signal, and a child apparatus transfers asynchronous information as a frame of variable length, as it is, at a time delayed from the multi-frame standard signal by a time period designated by the parent apparatus. Since the asynchronous information does not need to be divided into pieces to which a frame header is attached, the efficiency of the uplink channel is increased.

Abstract: A microporous membrane made of a non-crystalline polymer having, within its wall, microfibrils and slit-like micropores which are oriented in the lengthwise direction of the membrane, said slit-like micropores communicating from one surface to the other surface of the membrane, and forming a stacked construction. This membrane has a high flux value of AFR and WFR, excellent heat-, solvent-, and pressure-resistance, and a high mechanical strength, and does not contain any undesirable materials which eluate during use. This membrane is thus useful as a multi-purpose separation membrane, such as for medical uses, food industries, purification of water or air, and the separation of hot liquids.