Please address comments or questions to Dr. Noam Arzt, arzt@isc.upenn.edu [6/13/96]Network Architecture Task Force: Working Model for Building Topology
([R] is a router; [MPR] is a multi-port repeater; [A] and [ATM] are ATM switchs; [ESB] is an ethernet switching bridge)
1. Central backbone is now a "super" router connected to a "super" ATM switch which is in turn connected to the buildings.
2. In the basement of each building is a hub with an ATM interface on one end, and a ethernet switching bridge (ESB) on the other. Routing could likely be activated on these devices as well if required.
3. Outlets can now be "repeater-ready."
The result: more reliable ethernets, more aggregate bandwidth within buildings, scalable campus backbone, simplified routing.