The MFCSMA/CD network
The paper presents a new network model, MFCSMA/CD to provide multichannel communication and fault-tolerant capability on IEEE 802.3 (CSMA/CD). This model inserts a sublayer between the LLC (logical link control) sublayer and MAC (medium access control) sublayer, in order to provide the multichannel communication and fault-tolerant functions. That insertion sublayer is called MFC (multi-channel fault-tolerant control). The new network model extends the original single channel schemes to a multiple channel system, but the new network model design is based on compatibility with the existent Ethernet, so that the original software in the existent network could be used in the new network model.