Abstract: A method for distributed multi-choice voting/ranking in a network with a plurality of nodes associated to a set of choices is disclosed. The method includes setting a plurality of value sets for a plurality of nodes, setting a plurality of collections of memory sets for the plurality of nodes, and updating the plurality of value sets. In addition, the method includes updating the plurality of collections of memory sets, calculating a majority vote for the set of choices, and calculating a rank set for the set of choices.

Abstract: A method for distributed multi-choice voting/ranking in a network with a plurality of nodes associated to a set of choices is disclosed. The method includes setting a plurality of value sets for a plurality of nodes, setting a plurality of collections of memory sets for the plurality of nodes, and updating the plurality of value sets. In addition, the method includes updating the plurality of collections of memory sets, calculating a majority vote for the set of choices, and calculating a rank set for the set of choices.

Abstract: Unique identifiers are assigned to sets of adjacent access points in a wireless, local area network (WLAN). Thereafter, a unique identifier may be forwarded to a mobile device which uses the identifier to associate itself with one of the adjacent access points. Associating a mobile device with an adjacent access point using unique identifiers allows a WLAN to meet its load balancing objectives.

Abstract: By decomposing (i.e., dividing) an interference graph into subgraphs, it becomes feasible to compute close approximations of an optimal channel allocation scheme within a reasonable amount of time. The channel allocation scheme may be used to allocate specific channels to access points (APs) in a wireless, local area network (WLAN).

Abstract: The adjacency of access points in a wireless, local area network is used to determine the existence of common overlapping access point coverage areas and to determine maximum distances between access points.

Abstract: Channels are allocated to one or more cells within a wireless LAN (WLAN) without causing unacceptable interference. The allocation involves dividing an allocation time period into frames, each frame having a substantially short duration, and then allocating one or more channels to one or more WLAN cells during each such frame according to an allocation vector. The vector assures that each cell allocated a channel is sufficiently distant from every other cell allocated the same channel to minimize cross interference. Only those cells allocated a channel are allowed to transmit during a given frame. The allocation vectors are determined in such a way that the performance of a WLAN is optimized.

Abstract: The operation of a multicast network is enhanced by shifting the responsibility for performing congestion control with regulation for the transmission of multicast data packets from the transmitter to the receivers, such that each receiver computes a congestion control value using particular statistics that it accumulates and then forwards it congestion control value to the source/transmitter. The source then regulates its transmission of data packets in accordance with a selected one of the congestion control values that it receives. Moreover, a hierarchical reporting network may be used to convey the regulation values from the receivers to the source such that congestion control values generated by the receivers are consolidated at various layers in the hierarchical reporting network so that the source receives consolidated control values from just the receivers connected directly to the source, rather than a value from each of the receivers.

Abstract: In a class of minimum cost flow control (MCFC) algorithms for adjusting session rates or window sizes congestion control is achieved through consideration of an incremental cost function that addresses link congestion, and an incremental cost function that addresses the cost of providing less than the desired transmission rate. A coarse version of the algorithm is geared towards implementation in the current Internet, relying on the end-to-end packet loss observations as indication of congestion. A more complete version anticipates an Internet where sessions can solicit explicit congestion information through a concise probing mechanism.

Abstract: A packet communication network is arranged so that a backpressure or feedback signal is sent from a receiving node to a node having packets to send to the receiving,node, selectively allowing only certain packets to be considered eligible for transmission. The backpressure is arranged to be lossless, and to avoid network deadlocks and livelocks. The transmission of a packet p from a sending node Xl to a receiving node Rl, via a link l, is controlled by (a) sending from the receiving node Rl to the upstream node Xl a feedback value fl that assures that there will be room in the buffer in the receiving node Rl to store packets subsequently received from the upstream node Xl; (b) assigning a priority level ?p to packets stored in the buffer of the receiving node Rl; and (c) transmitting from the sending node Xl to the receiving node Rl, only those stored packets at Xl whose priority level ?p exceeds the feedback value fl received from the receiving node Rl.

Abstract: A method and associated node structure (11) for the efficient and reliable transmission of delay sensitive traffic in a packet network (10) is disclosed. The method provides bounded end-to-end delay for all delay sensitive traffic and can guarantee loss-free transmission to that part of the delay sensitive traffic which has such a stringent requirement. To achieve statistical multiplexing gain, some loss is permitted for the rest of the delay sensitive traffic, with discrimination among different loss priority classes based on the corresponding degree of loss sensitivity. Bounded end-to-end delay is obtained by performing statistical multiplexing at the switching nodes (11) on a duration limited basis through use of a unique queuing discipline at the network nodes (11). This queuing discipline is instrumental in guaranteeing loss free transmission for the class of traffic with such a requirement.

Abstract: A congestion control strategy for a packet network comprises an admission policy which controls the admission of packets into the network and a stop-and-go queuing strategy at the network nodes. The congestion control strategy utilizes multiple frame sizes so that certain types of connections can be provided with small queuing delays while other types of connections can be allocated bandwidth using small incremental bandwidth units.

Abstract: A congestion control scheme for a connection oriented packet network is disclosed. The congestion control scheme eliminates buffer overflow and provides congestion free communication by eliminating the clustering of packets. Clustering is eliminated by imposing a smoothness requirement on the packet stream of each connection at the corresponding source node in the packet network. The smoothness is maintained for each connection over every link traversed by a connection through use of a unique queuing strategy at the nodes wherein packets arriving at a node in an incoming frame are delayed and transmitted from the node in an adjacent outgoing frame.