Communication protocols in current packet switching networks

Abstract

Packet switching is emerging as the dominant technique for large scale communication of data. Each of the major western industrial nations has recognised this by supporting intensive research into the theory and practice of packet switching, culminating very recently in the establishment of several experimental communication networks. This paper surveys the major efforts, from the point of view of the formal communication protocols employed, and then synthesizes from these a viable proposal for an experimental public network in New Zealand. The proposal is illustrated by the description of a prototype academic network, KiwiNet.