Optimization of ATM and Legacy LAN for High Speed Satellite Communications

A high data rate (HDR) terrestrial and satellite network was implemented to transfer medical images and data. This paper describes the optimization of the workstations and networking equipment. Topics include tuning the network software configuration of Sun Microsystems workstations, Fore Systems ATM switches, and Cisco routers, as well as the transfer rate results of four distinct telemedicine experiments. The researchers were successful in achieving the transfer rates needed by the telemedicine software; particularly important was the proper determination of peak transfer rates and window sizes in making use of the resources available to the network interface cards (NICs) on the Sun Microsystems and Hewlett Packard workstations. 1. Introduction Telemedicine is a unique way to offer a medical service to a patient who would otherwise not have access to medical specialists. Globally, interest in telemedicine continues to increase, particularly in the store-and-forward form wherein com..