System for communicating data in a network using both a daisy chain link and separate broadcast links

摘要

The wide area network includes a plurality of local area networks (LANs) in communication with a remote source. Each of the LANs includes a plurality of workstations. The workstations generate data packets for delivery to other workstations in the LAN. A packet assembly channel receives data packets from the workstations and routes the received data packets through the workstations to a LAN broadcast unit. The LAN broadcast unit broadcasts data packets generated by the workstations to each of the workstations via a LAN broadcast channel. The remote source generates data packets for delivery to the workstations in each of the LANs. Each LAN has a remote broadcast unit in communication with the remote source for broadcasting data packets from the remote source to the workstations in that LAN on a remote broadcast channel.