Summary This paper describes a new computer network, its implementation, the moderate costs involved, and the tremendous benefits it offers a petroleum research environment.
Introduction The Tulsa U. Fluid Flow Projects (TUFFP) is an industry/university research consortium established in 1973 to investigate multiphase flow in pipes for the petroleum industry. Currently, TUFFP maintains three types of computing power: HP/Apollo UNIX-based workstations, Apple Macintoshes, and AT-class IBM PC's and compatibles. The PC's, and more recently the Macintoshes, are used for data acquisition in experimental research facilities. The data are then transferred to HP/Apollo workstations for analysis and future simulation. The results from the workstation analysis are then ported to the Macintosh system for further graphical analysis in the form of plots and for report generation.
In the past, a primitive setup of RS-232 lines, modem line boosters, and KERMIT linked the IBM-AT and compatible systems with the HP / Apollos. However, data transfers of more than a few megabytes proved extremely time-consuming and unreliable at 9,600 baud. The Macintosh link with the HP/Apollo system provided a similar setup, but allowed only one Macintosh to be linked to the HP/Apollo system through a serial input/output (SIO) line. Thus, it was mandatory that a student be at that particular Macintosh to transfer files. Although this arrangement provided data-transfer capabilities, it was extremely primitive, tedious, and prone to bottlenecks. A more useful and versatile networking strategy was needed.
The current TUFFP computer network is a state-of-the-art and user-friendly system. Users require no prior knowledge of networking protocol and can transfer files among many computers in the network. Researchers can then concentrate on their research without checking hardware connections and learning software communication commands. Moreover, the new network can accommodate growth and change as new needs are introduced and the user population increases.