The VuNet Desk Area Network: Architecture, Implementaion, and Experience

The VuNet is a gigabit-per-second Desk-Area ATM Network which interconnects general-purpose workstations , network-based multimedia devices and bridges to other networks. Workstations access the multime-dia devices over the network and coordinate the movement of information streams among the diierent parts of the system. This architecture presents several advantages over the traditional workstation-centric models including the ability to easily share network-based devices, to access non-local devices, and to relieve the workstation of a portion of the I/O work. This paper describes the philosophy, implementation choices, advantages, and limitations of the VuNet ATM network implementation, as well as performance and current status.