High-performance real-time communication network protocols

Research on the design, analysis, and performance modeling of high-performance communication protocols for use in real-time communication networks is discussed. Contention-based protocols which provide short access times and token-passing protocols which bound delay and enhance robustness are described and compared. A hybrid protocol which combines the best features of both contention protocols and token-passing protocols is developed and its advantages, in terms of performance, delay, and robustness are described. The hybrid protocol has excellent throughput and delay characteristics, remains robust in the case of nodal failures, and achieves this reliability without centralized critical components. These improved protocols have specific uses in avionics bus environments as found on sophisticated military aircraft.