Importance

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Abstract

LAN's are customarily used for pure data communication. Voice communication via a LAN is only possible with the constraint of other subscribers being subjected to long waiting periods during the relatively long occupation time. The present LAN expands the functionality of work stations connected to the LAN, by using ATM technology to meet the communication requirements of an office environment. A network node or a conventional work station (3) is expanded by means of a unit which performs switching technology functions, so that terminals of the most different types (4, 5, 6, 7) can access the LAN via interface circuits (41, 51, 61, 71), resulting in a private network with distributed telecommunication installations. In this way, real-time connections with different bandwidth requirements, such as for example video conferences and pure voice transmission, are made possible. The thus expanded ATM-LAN is suitable for all types of communications taking place in an office.

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First Claim