Abstract: A packet flow control method where delay data are added into an initial packet as it traverses a packet switching network, and where the receiver of the initial packet, rather than the sender, establishes a window size based on such delay data to be used for the duration of a packet connection through the network. The delay data allow for the calculation of an average rather than an instantaneous network delay such that the flow control mechanism is not dependent on the magnitude of network congestion that happens to be present when the connection is first established. Since the receiver determines the window size, the flow control mechanism is put in place as an integral part of the initial packet exchange used to establish the two-way packet connection rather than requiring an additional packet communication to the receiver after a window size calculation by the sender.

Abstract: A communication method and digital multi-customer data interface for interconnecting a number of customer terminals to a main packet switching network of a local area data transport system that provides data communication services such as interactive video text service between data service vendors and customers. The digital multi-customer interface utilizes a main processor, control circuit, and multi-customer protocol controller to implement the protocol functions for the communication of packets and control information over individual serial transmission paths. The multi-customer protocol controller comprises a control processor and a formatter circuit for synchronously communicating packets for a plurality of customer terminals via customer line units and customer lines. The control circuit handles communication of all control and status information between the main processor and the customer line units.

Abstract: A communication method and digital multi-customer data interface for interconnecting a number of customer terminals to a main packet switching network of a local area data transport system that provides data communication services such as interactive video text service between data service vendors and customers. The digital multi-customer interface utilizes a main processor, control circuit, and multi-customer protocol controller to implement the protocol functions for the communication of packets and control information over individual serial transmission paths. The multi-customer protocol controller comprises a control processor and a formatter circuit for synchronously communicating packets for a plurality of customer terminals via customer line units and customer lines. The control processor performs byte-to-packet and packet-to-byte functions between the main processor and the formatter circuit.