Multi-channel token ring

A communications system comprising:

• a transmission media having multiple channels;
• a plurality of access units, each interfacing with each of the individual channels of said transmission media;
• at least one device associated with each of said access units, each said device interfacing with its associated access unit to receive data from and send data to said transmission media;
• and
• means for sending data between said at least one device and its associated access unit, said sending means including a dedicated communications channel for each said at least one device and its associated access unit;
• wherein each said access unit determines which data, if any, being transmitted over the channels of said transmission media is intended for one of said device associated therewith, intercepts only the intended data, and sends the intercepted data to said associated device via said dedicated communications channel of said sending means, and
• wherein each said dedicated communications channel of said sending means comprises a lobe ring, each lobe ring providing communications between one of said access units and said at least one device associated with said one access unit, and wherein each of said access units includes:
• at least one first physical interface, each first interface interfacing with and corresponding to each lobe ring associated with the access unit;
• second physical interfaces, one corresponding to and interfacing with each channel of said transmission media with which
• means for controlling access to the first physical interfaces, receipt of data from and transmission of data to the channels of said transmission media and access to the second physical interfaces.