Importance

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Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment a transmission link switch is provided at each node. In a transmission mode, the switch provides a transmission path which transmits incoming messages directly to the node output without any processing delay. In the cutoff mode of the switch, the associated data processor still receives messages from the node input, but the direct path from the node input to node output is interrupted. During the sending of messages and responses thereto, the link switches at the sending and responding nodes are operated so as to prevent the messages from making multiple traverses of the loop communications path while also avoiding the occurrence at other nodes of a communications gap which would permit such nodes to interfere with the exchange of messages. The arrangement is such that each node can be implemented with low cost integrated circuit modules. No common timing link is required between the nodes. Transmission of requests for control of communication and the actual transmission of desired information between the nodes all take place via a single channel of the loop communications path.

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First Claim