A data transmission system, which includes multiple local area networks (LANs)
coupled by a hub via multiple LAN adapters and an ATM crossbar switch coupling
all LAN adapters. At least a requesting LAN transmits LAN data frames to at least
a destination LAN. The LAN data frames are converted into concatenated slots of
the same size and transmitted through the ATM crossbar switch by the requesting
LAN. The requesting LAN adapter includes a control logic for transmitting a plurality
of request signals (REQ) to the ATM crossbar switch, each of them being associated
with a destination LAN, and the ATM crossbar switch comprises a scheduler for transmitting
grant signals (GNT) associated with the requests enabling the requesting LAN adapter
to transmit LAN data frames to the destination LANs. The grant signals are transmitted
by the destination LAN in an order depending upon a predetermined algorithm that
controls the scheduler regardless of the order the requests are transmitted by
the requesting LAN adapter.