A model for an expert system for medium access control in a local area network

Abstract

We propose a new area for the application of an expert system. A network protocol, designed to control access to the network by the users, currently uses a purely random technique for recovering from an error situation. The network protocol is called carrier sense multiple access with collision detect, or csma/cd. It is used in local area networks to control access to the network medium. We will describe an expert system that will consider the situation and determine the most appropriate response based on the current state of the network and the information in its knowledge base. We first give an overview of the problem, followed by explanatory chapters on local area networks and expert systems, including a section on fuzzy expert systems. Then the unique characteristics of the problem are reviewed, and a sketch of the solution is developed. This is followed by a detailed description of the model for the expert system. Finally, there is a discussion on the results including problems encountered, conclusions on the application, and suggestions for future research.