TABLE OF CONTENTS Computer network-based solutions represent an important trend in the evolution of measurement systems [1, 2]. Computer networks are grouped into three classes: Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), and Wide Area Networks (WAN). Wired and wireless computer networks are distinguished by the physical medium used in the transmission line. Computer network-based measurement systems use principally LANs and the Internet [3]. The highspeed WANs are used as backbone networks, providing interconnection of LANs and computer centers. LANs can have bus, tree (multiple star), or loop (ring) topology, as shown in Figure 10.1.
There are many LAN types, such as Ethernet, Token Ring, ARCNet, 100VG-AnyLAN, or the wireless IEEE-802.11. The most widespread type is Ethernet. Different LANs, defined by IEEE-802 and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, are specified in Table 10.1. All the LAN types listed in Table 10.1 are used in practice. Many LANs are mixed-standard networks. For example, the author's computer is connected to a Fast Ethernet/FDDI mixed-standard network, operating so efficiently that users hardly realize its existence.
| Standard | LAN Name | Transfer Rate | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEEE-802.3 | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet | 1 Mbpsto 10 Gbps | Bus, Star, Tree |
| IEEE-802.4 | Token Bus | 10 Mbps | Tree |
| IEEE-802.5 | Token Ring | 4 to 16 Mbps | Loop |
| IEEE-802.9 | Iso-Ethernet | 16 Mbps | Star, Tree |
| IEEE-02.11 | Wireless LAN, WiFi | 11 Mbps | Star, Tree |
| IEEE-02.12 | 100VG-AnyLAN | 100 Mbps | Star, Tree |
| ANSI | FDDI, FDDI II | 100 Mbps | Star, Tree |
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