DATA LINK EXTENSION FOR DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

摘要

DATA LINK EXTENSION FOR DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORKS In a data communication network wherein using units contend for access to the network communication bus, data links interface using units located remotely from the bus to the bus for communication such that the distances between the using units and the bus are rendered functionally transparent from the viewpoint of the bus. A data link includes a network interface circuit connected to and located near the using unit for buffering communications passing between the using unit and the bus, a data transfer controller circuit connected to and located near the bus for communicating on the bus on behalf of the using unit according to the communication protocol of the bus, a local fiber optic extension circuit connected to and located near the data transfer controller circuit for emulating thereto the network interface circuit, a remote fiber optic extension circuit connected to and located near the network interface circuit for emulating thereto the data transfer controller circuit, and an optical fiber link connecting the fiber optic extension circuits. (FIG. 1)