Abstract: An apparatus for scheduling transmission of a plurality of frames in a network having a plurality of nodes, each frame identified by a type designation, includes a schedule memory and a sequencer. The schedule memory stores a transmission time for each frame type and a list of frames to be transmitted. The sequencer is operable to access the schedule memory and initiate transmission of the frames in the list.

Abstract: An apparatus for scheduling transmission of a plurality of frames in a network having a plurality of nodes, each frame identified by a type designation, includes a schedule memory and a sequencer. The schedule memory stores a transmission time for each frame type and a list of frames to be transmitted. The sequencer is operable to access the schedule memory and initiate transmission of the frames in the list.

Abstract: An apparatus for scheduling transmission of a plurality of frames in a network having a plurality of nodes, each frame identified by a type designation, includes a schedule memory and a sequencer. The schedule memory stores a transmission time for each frame type and a list of frames to be transmitted. The sequencer is operable to access the schedule memory and initiate transmission of the frames in the list.

Abstract: A method of managing storage of data includes assigning one of a plurality of buffer pointers to a first frame of data and storing the first frame of data in a location in memory associated with the assigned buffer pointer. The method also includes determining whether the first frame of data is associated with a sequence of frames and storing the assigned buffer pointer in a first location if the first frame of data is associated with a sequence of frames and a different location if the first frame of data is not associated with a sequence of frames. The method also includes, after storing the assigned buffer pointer, manipulating the first frame of data stored in the location in memory. The manipulation includes accessing the assigned buffer pointer.

Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of network nodes including a first node having an interface unit. The interface unit includes a scheduler operable to schedule periodic transmission of a plurality of frames at respective designated times. Each of the plurality of frames includes a plurality of slots. The interface unit also includes an access system operable to designate which of the plurality of slots of a frame are accessible by each of the plurality of nodes and to access the designated slots.

Abstract: An extraction and insertion controller for inserting into and extracting data values from a frame transmitted to a plurality of nodes is provided. The frame has a plurality of slots for storing data. The insertion and extraction controller includes an access table identifying slots for extraction of information by at least one of the plurality of nodes and also identifying slots for insertion of information by at least one of the plurality of nodes. The insertion and extraction controller also includes an extraction and insertion map controller operable to control modifications to the access table and an extraction controller operable to provide data stored in one of the plurality of slots to a respective node indicated by the access table. The insertion and extraction controller also includes an insertion control unit operable to provide data to one of the plurality of slots from a respective node indicated by the access table.