Considerations in the design of a network of minicomputers

"The advantages of a network consisting of a number of minicomputers coupled to a large time shared computer are described. This type of network is very useful in the areas of data acquisition, real time control of experiments, and front-end processing for computer graphics.

Problems associated with the development of a network of this type, various possible solutions, and the trade-offs involved are presented. These problems are classified into two categories: the interface between the network and the central computing facility, and the interface between the remote sites and the rest of the network.

The design constraints, rationale, and implementation of the minicomputer network at the University of Missouri-Rolla are describe "--Abstract, page ii.