Integration of circuit/packet switching by a SENET /Slotted Envelope NETwork/ concept

The integration of circuit and packet switching into a unified switching concept has the potential of effecting significant cost savings and performance gains, as well as allowing a greater degree of interconnectivity between terminals. A concept is proposed in this paper whereby pseudo-synchronous 'envelopes' are used to convey multiplexed traffic through the network using a wideband slotted transmission format such that the traditional characteristics of both circuit and packet switching are simultaneously provided. This Slotted Envelope NETwork (SENET) concept provides a high degree of flexibility for a varying mix of traffic, and the capability to dynamically provide varying channel bandwidths to match different terminals.