Lokales Netzwerk

摘要

A local network comprises a main ring formed by main ring lines (17 to 28) and network interfaces (9 to 16), which interfaces are each coupled to a station (not shown). A first relief ring comprising relief ring lines (5 to 8) and bridging elements (1 to 4), is coupled to the main ring. The bridging elements (1 to 4) are inserted between specific network interfaces (9 to 16). A bridging element (1 to 4) is provided for establishing a connection between the first relief ring and the main ring, and comprises a demultiplexer (35, 36) Fig. 3 (not shown), for each input ring line for the extraction of the address from the heater field of an incoming cell and for transferring this cell to multiplexers for each output ring line in response to the address. Packet transfer rate is increased because there are fewer bridging elements (1 to 4) than interfaces (9 to 16). Further relief rings and bridging elements are possible, Fig. 2, (not shown). Packets take the optimum route, using the relief ring(s), until transferring to the main ring for the addressed interface. <IMAGE>