Abstract: To more fully utilize the available bandwidth of a network link, network nodes in accordance with the present invention allow TDM data to be combined with packet data. A Packet/TDM cross connect switch, having both a TDM switch and a packet switch, is used in these embodiments. Data packets are transformed into TDM packet columns. The TDM packet columns are combined with standard TDM data columns in the payload of a TDM data frame. Data packets may be sorted based on a priority scheme, in which high priority data packets are given precedence over lower priority data. However, both high priority and low priority may be combined in a TDM packet column.

Abstract: To more fully utilize the available bandwidth of a network link, network nodes in accordance with the present invention allow TDM data to be combined with packet data. A Packet/TDM cross connect switch, having both a TDM switch and a packet switch, is used in these embodiments. Data packets are transformed into TDM packet columns. The TDM packet columns are combined with standard TDM data columns in the payload of a TDM data frame. Data packets may be sorted based on a priority scheme, in which high priority data packets are given precedence over lower priority data.

Abstract: To provide better quality of service, Network nodes in accordance with the present invention use a media abstraction unit to integrate link-layer management with network layer traffic management. Various transmission parameters are modified in response to changing environmental factors. The modification of the transmission parameters changes the available bandwidth of the wireless link. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the available bandwidth of the wireless link is used at network layer traffic management. Specifically in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount low priority data packet within a TDM data frame is altered to use the available bandwidth.

Abstract: The versatility provided by network nodes in accordance with the present invention allows the formation of networks using different types of links, links with differing bandwidth, data rates, and bit error rates, as well as both asymmetric and symmetric links. For example, a network can include a first network node coupled to a second network node with a wireless link. The network can include a third network node coupled to the second network node an optical link and coupled to the first network node by a wireless link. A fourth network node can be easily inserted between the third network node and the third network node using wireless links. The optical link between the second and third network nodes can operate at one bandwidth and the various wireless links would operate at other bandwidths depending on the environmental conditions between each pair of nodes.

Abstract: To better utilize the variable bandwidth of wireless links, a network node in accordance with the present invention escapes rigid bandwidth hierarchy of conventional TDM protocols, which is not suited for fully using the available bandwidth of a wireless link. Specifically, many embodiments of the present invention use TDM frames that have payloads, which do not strictly conform to the bandwidth hierarchy of conventional TDM protocols. For example, many embodiments of the present invention form TDM frames having a payload that is a non-integer multiple of a base bandwidth, such as OC-1/STS-1.

Abstract: To more fully utilize the available bandwidth of a network link, network nodes in accordance with the present invention allow TDM data to be combined with packet data. A Packet/TDM cross connect switch, having both a TDM switch and a packet switch, is used in these embodiments. Data packets are transformed into TDM packet columns. The TDM packet columns are combined with standard TDM data columns in the payload of a TDM data frame. Data packets may be sorted based on a priority scheme, in which high priority data packets are given precedence over lower priority data.

Abstract: To provide the quality and reliability of a fiber optic link over a wireless link, network nodes in accordance with the present invention include a link quality management unit, which controls multiple transmission parameters of a wireless interface in response variable link conditions. For example, the link quality management unit of one embodiment of the present invention controls transmission power, modulation, and error correction. In general, a receiving network node provides feedback to a transmitting network node. Thus, in many embodiments of the present invention, the link quality management unit includes a signal quality detector, which measures a signal quality value, such as bit error rate, signal to noise ratio, or error vector magnitude. The measured signal quality is transmitted back to the transmitting node so that appropriate changes can be made to the transmission parameters.

Abstract: A network node includes a network interface, a cross connect switch coupled to the network interface, and a multi-medium network interface coupled to the cross connect switch. The multi-medium network interface includes multiple network interfaces, such as an optical interface and a wireless interface. The wireless interface could be for example an RF wireless interface or a free-space optics interface. Some embodiments of the present invention may include both an RF wireless interface and a free-space optics interface. A TDM user interface is also coupled to the cross connect switch. In some embodiments, the network interface is also a multi-medium network interface. Furthermore, some embodiments can include additional multi-medium network interfaces.