Paul E. Green

The future of fiber-optic computer networks

The author discusses research activities in the area of third-generation (all-optical) fiber-optic networks and where they are heading. Applications, the era of single unrepeated links, the characteristics of fiber paths in networks, forms of addressing, overall network throughput capacity, technologies, protocol layers, and making the communication layers invisible are discussed.<<ETX>>

SNA Networks of Small Systems

This paper discusses SNA/LEN, a possible extension of Systems Network Architecture intended to allow peer, dynamic, and easy to use networking functions for a variety of node sizes down to and including the new generation of personal computers. After reviewing the special requirements posed by small systems and the need for including them as equal partners in networks, the LEN architecture is described. This is done by following a sequence of steps that begin when a logical resource at some node that may not yet be part of the connectivity of an existing network requests a session with a remote logical resource of unknown location. After connectivity with the preexisiting network is established, directory services locates the remote object, route selection services determines the preferred path, a session is activated, and deadlock-free flow control assures a useful flow of data. Preliminary quantitative results from an LEN prototype are presented.

Prospect and design choices for integrated private networks

This paper reviews some of the choices that will be available in the next few years, as the much-discussed move toward implementing voice and data integration within a single wide-area integrated private network proceeds. After the term :hp1de-area integrated private network:ehp1. has been defined, a discussion is given of requirements the network ought to satisfy for its users. Then two particularly promising approaches, fast packet switching (FPS) and hybrid switching (HS), are defined, and specimen design points for FPS and HS are postulated, so that the two can be compared. While a definitive comparison would require systematic cost and performance studies, much insight can be gained from the qualitative comparison that we present here. We assess some of the arguments that have been put forward in favor of FPS or HS and conclude that, although today both architectures have promise, and research on both should continue, FPS appears to be slightly simpler to implement and operate.

Paul E. Green Jr. on communications: Progress in fiber optics, LANs, and PBXs

In the wake of the Bell System divestiture, Bells operating companies, AT&T Long Lines, and the product offerings of the former system have gone their separate ways. The effects of the divestiture on technological innovation are not yet known, but the divestiture was the big communications event of 1984.