Year
1992
Abstract
An Advanced Alarm Multiplexer Communication System (AAMCS) based on a fiber-optic local area network (LAN) is proposed in this study. The system is intended for high security applications and is particularly suitable for deployment at DOE's numerous weapons facilities. Many unique features of this design provide distinctive advantages over a traditional system. For example, it is designed with built-in options for full DBS encryption from the sensor all the way to the host computer to enhance line security. Due to its Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-based design, the system can provide both intrinsic data line redundancy and fault recovery capabilities. More importantly, the proposed system also adapts a modular architecture which separates the alarm multiplexing/data gathering function from the LAN-based data communication system. This design takes advantage of the latest commercial developments and standards by using the readily available and interchangeable, as well as low-cost and robust, commercial components, systems, and communication protocols. The system is also extremely flexible to expand, upgrade, or integrate with other security functions due to its high bandwidth fiber-optic medium and modular design.