Transmit-secure non-blocking circuit-switched local area network

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A switching system or local area network is nonblocking, transmit-secure and employs a star type topology. A back plane uses n(n-1) bus lines to interconnect n ports. Each port can transmit on any one of n-1 bus lines depending on the identity of the destination port. Likewise, each port can receive from any of n-1 bus lines, depending on the identity of the transmitting port. Signalling as well as data flow on the same bus lines. Each of the ports includes a dedicated microprocessor along with an arbitrator to resolve contention. The ports further have transmit and receive multiplexers coupled between the back plane and an associated work station or information source/sink.