Large-scale, high speed computer network and method of implementation and operation

摘要

A method of operating a network (10) is beneficially conducted on a municipality or neighborhood level. The method (250) in disclosed embodiments comprises installing (256) a digital communications network within a limited selected geographical region. The network (10) is formed from a high speed backbone (12) and a plurality of nodes (26) branching outward from the high speed backbone (12). A plurality of communicating stations (30) are connected to the network (10) and users at each communicating station (30) subscribe to communicate over the network (10). Due to the unique scope of the network (10), the users are related primarily by virtue of their residence in a common geographical region. The network (10) may be installed within a public utility right of way and may be used to monitor utility usage and to bill utility users. The network (10) is thus independent of public telephone infrastructure. The network (10) is preferably partitioned and communications are direct from station (30) to station (30) without broadcasting. Outside access, such as to the Internet (34) is provided through gateways (62, 108) within the backbone (12).