MIDS (Multimode Information Distribution System) network control and digital data subsystem designs

The Multimode Information Distribution System (MIDS) is a local area telecommunications system capable of simultaneously handling digital data, video and voice traffic for a multitude of subscribers in a variety of connectivity patterns on wideband media such as coaxial cable. The designs for a MIDS data distribution subsystem and a multimode network control subsystem based on time division multiplexed techniques are described. The use of a novel, adaptive data rate feature provides high-speed service to any terminal as required without dedicating excessive amounts of capacity to particular terminals. These designs are oriented toward maximum use of current microprocessor technology.