| 摘要 |
<p>A method performs arbitration between network devices (3-9) connected to one of a first network segment (10,70) and a second network segment (30,80), where the first network segment (10,70) is connected to the second network segment (30,80) by a long interconnection medium (41,42,63) over an extended distance. When one or more network devices (3-9) connected to the first network segment (10,70) senses the network is free and desires control of the network for a data transfer, each of these network devices (3-9) will assert a first network control signal. When the first network control signal is first asserted, this marks the beginning of an arbitration period for the first network segment (10,70). The first network control signal is forwarded to the second network segment (30,80). Upon the second network segment (30,80) receiving the first network control signal, any arbitration currently in progress upon the second network segment (30,80) is aborted. Upon completion of the arbitration period and provided arbitration on the first network segment (10,70) has not been aborted, one of the network devices (3-9) connected to the first network segment (10,70) is granted control of the network.</p> |
