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.

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.