Novel Topologies for Optical Fiber Based Communications Networks

Prior to the advent of optical fi ber as the transmission medium in communication net-works, the most popular topologies were rings, busses, and trees, with some interest in stars. Since optical fi ber has become the transmission medium of choice, the star to pol o gy is once again receiving considerable interest in the research community. This article pre sents several new topologies that combine rings and busses with stars into novel topologies and architectures. The purpose is to explore topologies and architectures to enhance com mu ni ca tion capabilities of future communication networks. However, no protocols are pro posed and no performance issues are addressed. © 2005 Oklahoma Acad e my of Science