Importance

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Abstract

Every subscriber node connected to an optical fiber comprises an access unit with a directional coupler which is controlled via an output amplifier, an optoelectric converter being connected subsequent to the directional coupler. Packets run on the fiber. The first bit of the packets indicates whether it is an empty packet (shown by 'light' or 'bright') or a data packet (shown by 'no light' or 'dark'). As soon as the node has prepared data for transmission in a buffer storage, a test is effected at each arriving packet as to whether or not it is an empty packet. For this purpose, the light of every first bit is guided to a L/I detector which carries out this test in a 'flying' manner, while a no-light bit passes on to the outgoing fiber. If the L/I bit indicates a data packet, the control immediately switches the directional coupler to pass, so that the packet passes the node so as to be unchanged. On the other hand, if the L/I bit indicates an empty packet, the contents of the buffer storage is read into this packet. The node cane accordingly transmit without the slightest time delay occurring in the packet stream.

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First Claim