Abstract: In a multiple-user network communication system such as a satellite-based system, or in cable or wireless systems, the system resources, such as bandwidth, code allocation, and or slot timing, are allocated to users based in part on their class of service. The allocation provides for immediate allocation of the requested resources to a user having a verified high class of service so long as the resources are abatable or can be made available by tapping a resource reserve. If only a portion of the requested resources are available, they are made available immediately. From time to time, the resources available to at least one class of service are allocated among the users of that class of service, either equally, equally up to the requested resources, equitably, or in some systematic manner.

Abstract: In a multiple-user network communication system such as a satellite-based system, or in cable or wireless systems, the system resources, such as bandwidth, code allocation, and or slot timing, are allocated to users based in part on their class of service. The allocation provides for immediate allocation of the requested resources to a user having a verified high class of service so long as the resources are abatable or can be made available by tapping a resource reserve. If only a portion of the requested resources are available, they are made available immediately. From time to time, the resources available to at least one class of service are allocated among the users of that class of service, either equally, equally up to the requested resources, equitably, or in some systematic manner.

Abstract: A TDMA system (11) is provided using a programmable, fixed-period frame structure for communication between network terminals (6,10). All bursts are timed with respect to this programmable periodic frame. Each terminal (6,10) uses its local clock to generate a transmit frame period and a receive frame period. According to the invention an Acquisition and Synchronization procedure is provided to align the start of transmit frame period and start of receive frame period and start of receive frame period at each terminal in such a way that if a burst is transmitted by any terminal at offset x after local start of transmit frame period, then all terminals receive that burst a position y after their local start of receive frame periods, where Ýy−xÝ is less than a small threshold value. In addition, a number of different types of bursts are used for communication between terminals. The various types of bursts are programmable.