Abstract: Conventional schedulers propagate entries by either polling until an entry is ready, or alternatively, by attaching a so-called “readiness time” to entries. A scheduler which recognizes the readiness time avoids consuming a parent schedule with polling, or with burdening entries with a future readiness time. The system of the present invention employs a deferral queue for deferring entries in response to pop requests from a parent schedule. The child schedule defers entries via the deferral queue when it is not ready to push an entry to the parent schedule, and sets the readiness time corresponding to the entry. Upon the expiration of the readiness time, the child schedule redetermines whether to push the deferred entry corresponding to the deferral queue or optionally to push an interim entry having since arrived. Accordingly, a child schedule receiving a pop requests retains the ability to push an entry at an earlier or later readiness time, and further retains the ability to reconsider which entry to push.

Abstract: A staggered startup method and system for a cyclic prioritized multiple access (CPMA) system reduce interference between overlapping first and second wireless LAN cells contending for the same medium. Each cell includes a respective plurality of member stations. A first member station in the first cell coordinates a periodic sequence of first contention-free sessions. Each contention-free session includes multiple bursts with other member stations in the first cell. The first member station retains control of the medium by using interframe spaces sufficiently short between the bursts so that the multiple bursts appear to contending stations to be a single instance of activity in the medium during a session until an end of a session. A second member station in the second cell listens to the activity in the medium and detects an end to one of the first contention-free sessions indicated by an interval longer than a PIFS idle interval following an end to the activity in the medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for providing transmission priority to stations in a wireless LAN system.

Abstract: A system and method for satellite based controlled ALOHA is provided. The system and method configure VSATs so that they accept guidance from a centralized and/or distributed system controller to determine when, where, and/or on what portion of a satellite resource to attempt to access a channel. The system and method take advantage of traffic patterns to maximize efficiency by utilizing a centralized and/or distributed control to determine which VSATs are and are not currently active, and to allocate to a portion of the inbound channel to the active VSATs and a portion of the inbound channel to the inactive VSATs. In a distributed approach, each VSAT decides for itself whether it captures a certain part of the inbound resource or not. This decision can be made based on previous transmissions that went through the part of the inbound intended to be captured.

Abstract: A method of channel routing. The method includes receiving an incoming connection, determining an amount of processing resources required to handle the incoming connection, and selecting a remote access server to handle the incoming connection, responsive to the determined amount of processing resources.

Abstract: A method and system for allocating bandwidth in an optical communication system. During a set-up phase, a set-up message including requesting a connection is generated and includes a requested priority and requested bandwidth. When a switch receives the set-up message, the switch determines whether the available priority bandwidth for the requested priority exceeds the requested bandwidth. If the available priority bandwidth for the requested priority exceeds the requested bandwidth, the switch creates a provisional connectional which is committed to an actual connection in a subsequent connect phase. If the available priority bandwidth for the requested priority does not exceed the requested bandwidth, then the switch rejects the connection to provide a fast release.

Abstract: A cyclic prioritized multiple access (CPMA) method is disclosed which includes Fixed Deterministic Post-Backoff. Fixed deterministic post-backoff reduces conflicts between access points of overlapping cells. Contention-free sessions (CFSs) can be generated, one from each overlapping cell. Each active access point engages in a fixed deterministic post-backoff. A fixed deterministic backoff delay (Bkoff times a fixed number of idle time slots) is used by all access points, with the value of Bkoff being greater than the number of overlapping cells. The Bkoff should be large enough to enable the traffic that needs to be accommodated by the channel. Each access point has a backoff timer that is counted down using the shortest interframe space possible, typically the Priority Interframe Space (PIFS). A contention-free session (CFS) is initiated when the backoff timer expires, and it is then reset to the value of Bkoff to start a new cycle.

Abstract: An access point transmits a preemptive peg packet when it has no data to transmit in order to maintain the contiguity of its transmission timing position with respect to the timing position of other contention-free sessions (CFS) transmitted by other access points in an existing, periodic sequence. The cyclic prioritized multiple access (CPMA) method establishes the transmission timing position of contention-free sessions (CFS) between overlapping first and second wireless LAN cells contending for the same medium. Each cell includes a respective plurality of member stations. If an access point has no traffic, it will transmit a short, preemptive pegging packet and reset its backoff timer. In this manner, no gaps longer than the distributed coordination function (DCF) Interframe Space (DIFS) are left idle. This prevents other stations from using DCF contention to seize the channel, until all access points have completed one contention-free session (CFS) per periodic cycle.

Abstract: A MAC (Medium Access Control) hierarchy module for performing a back-off procedure for real-time application in a station having a frame to be transmitted in a network including a plurality of stations, includes: a priority identification sub-module for identifying a priority of each data to be transmitted; a first CW (Contention Window) generation sub-module for pseudo-randomly generating a CW based on the priority of the data to be transmitted; a back-off time calculation/back-off process sub-module for calculating a back-off time based on the CW and performing the back-off procedure based on the back-off time; and a second CW generation sub-module for randomly generating another CW when there is a collision between transmissions of data having same-order priorities.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method (200) for enabling a wireless communication device operating during access class restrictions to receive an incoming emergency call for a predefined time period are provided. After the wireless communication device (100) makes an emergency call to an emergency service center such as police (216), the wireless communication device (100) is enabled to respond to a return call from the emergency service center (218). The wireless communication device accepts the return call based upon the emergency access class information (408) and the priority level (410) of the return call.

Abstract: A method and system for converting a plurality of ranges of values for a plurality of packet classification rules in a computer system is disclosed. The plurality of ranges exists in at least one dimension. The method and system include mapping each of the plurality of ranges to a plurality of nonoverlapping prefixes. The method and system also include mapping the plurality of nonoverlapping prefixes to a plurality of overlapping prefixes corresponding to the plurality of ranges. The plurality of overlapping prefixes include a plurality of shorter matching overlapping prefixes for a plurality of nonconflicting ranges.

Abstract: A vehicle active network (12) communicatively couples devices (14–20) within a vehicle (10). Device operation is independent of the interface (22–28) of the device (14–20) with the active network (12). Additionally, the architecture of the active network (12) provides one or more levels of communication redundancy. The architecture provides for the total integration of vehicle systems and functions, and permits plug-and-play device integration and upgradeability.

Abstract: In one aspect of this invention, a control unit generates a frame having control data, and transmits it to a controlled apparatus via a transmission/reception unit or the like at a predetermined priority. In the controlled apparatus, a transmission/reception unit receives the frame, and a control unit analyzes it to generate a predetermined signal on the basis of the analysis result. The signal is output to a driving system or the like via an external I/O or the like. The controlled apparatus generates a response frame and transmits it to the control apparatus. In the control apparatus, the control unit analyzes the contents of the response frame, and a predetermined display is provided on the LED of an output unit on the basis of the analysis result.

Abstract: A vehicle active network (12) communicatively couples devices (14–20) within a vehicle (10). Device operation is independent of the interface (22–28) of the device (14–20) with the active network (12). Additionally, the architecture of the active network (12) provides one or more levels of communication redundancy. The architecture provides for the total integration of vehicle systems and functions, and permits plug-and-play device integration and upgradeability.

Abstract: A system and method for performing forward channel scheduling for an HDR system includes collecting status information of connected terminals, calculating a predetermined weight (?(n)), calculating priority values of respective terminals based on the collected status information and the weight (?(n)), and selecting a terminal having the highest priority value and providing the selected terminal with the service. By considering the number of connected mobile terminals, disadvantages of other proposed scheduling algorithms are overcome. Also, the entire throughput of the HDR system is improved by maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) of the mobile terminals that require the real-time service.

Abstract: Priority order storage section 113 stores the order of priority for an uplink and the reverse order of priority for a downlink. Channel allocation section 114 performs channel allocation for a downlink in the order of priority of the downlink stored in priority order storage section 113, based on the CIR of the downlink. In addition, channel allocation section 114 performs channel allocation for an uplink in the order of priority of the uplink stored in priority order storage section 113, based on the CIR of the uplink. It is thereby possible to perform reuse partitioning in asymmetrical data communications.

Abstract: For transmitting delay-critical data in a digital, time division form in an additional channel of a cable television system, the slots of the channel are further divided into smaller mini slots, for the indication of which the same cyclic indication is used as with which the superframes controlling the use of the channel indicate the original slots. A method based on mini slots is compatible with DAVIC 1.0 and 1.1 specifications.

Abstract: A system and method for a media access control (MAC) scheduling algorithm having a distributed, self-coordinating approach to provide use fairness and service differentiation in an ad hoc network by using control RTS/CTS messages carrying node status information. A local scheduling algorithm uses the overheard RTS/CTS information with attributes specifying nodes' status to maximize the awareness of the neighborhood status for a multi-channel system where data and ACK messages are transmitted through different data channels. If the system uses a single channel, the corresponding information may be carried by using DATA or ACK messages. The algorithm measures the offered load, carried load, and backlogged load in the neighborhood to adjust the channel access timer to provide use fairness among different nodes, different links, and different streams.

Abstract: A method for the exchange of data in messages between at least two users which are connected by a bus system, the messages containing the data being transmitted by the users via the bus system, and each user containing a predefinable and/or ascertainable timing mark; a first user, in a function as timer, controls the messages as a function of time in such a way that it repeatedly transmits a reference message, which contains time information of the first user, via the bus at a specifiable time interval, and if the timing mark of the second user is reached without a reference message of the first user reaching the second user, the at least second user takes over the function of timer by transmitting its own reference message with its own time information via the bus system.

Abstract: A method and system to arbitrate between a plurality of resource requests are disclosed. In each arbitration within a current round of arbitration, a winning request is identified based on a priority associated with each requester participating in the arbitration and a set of values stored in a mask register. In response to identifying the winning request, a mask register value corresponding to a requestor of the winning request is updated to disqualify this requestor from further participation in the current round of arbitration. When the current round of arbitration completes, the set of values in the mask register is reset to allow each requestor to participate in the next round of arbitration. The current round of arbitration begins when each requester is qualified to participate in the current round of arbitration and completes when every participating requestor has been disqualified.

Abstract: A method and system for providing priority to a station in a congested half duplex Ethernet network. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a method for providing priority to a peripheral component (e.g., half duplex Network Interface Card) in a congested network. The method includes the step of detecting a collision of a data packet during transmission of the data packet by a peripheral component coupled to a network. Furthermore, the method includes the step of determining a restricted back off time. It should be appreciated that the restricted back off time is substantially equal to or less than a restricted time value. Additionally, the method includes the step of causing the peripheral component to wait the restricted back off time before trying to retransmit the data packet over the network.

Abstract: A method for control of packet data transmissions in a TDMA wireless network to provide for additional choices in the allocation of communication channels. The fixed relationship in the timing of the downlink allocation signalling and subsequent uplink transmission is altered for certain classes of mobile station to avoid physical constraints. Examples of variations in USF signalling in GPRS are given.

Abstract: A contention-based network which allows real-time traffic to be exist as multiple independent linked-listed chains or under certain conditions to be assembled into multiple linked-list chains. A time separation is enforced between the various multiple chains, which are limited to a predetermined maximum number of stations that each can have in order to allow non-real-time stations to obtain timely access to the medium. Ones of the multiple chains may also be joined into a single chain. Blackburst contention is used to enable a chain to be reconstituted robustly from non-anticipated interruptions, such as the failure of one of its stations.

Abstract: A new network connection setup procedure for network computers to set up data transmission connections over a network that implements traffic prioritization (e.g., according to IEEE 802.1p) has the effect of providing admission control and implicit bandwidth reservation. A sending network device (the “sender”) that wants to initiate a new transmission over the network first enters a probing mode in which it sends data packets at a priority level that is lower than the target priority level and at a transmission rate up to a peak probing transmission rate that may be the same or slightly higher than the desired transmission rate. If the sender determines based on feedback regarding the probing transmission that the network can support a transmission at the peak probing transmission rate and the probing priority level, it switches to a steady mode in which it sends data packets at the desired transmission rate and at the target priority level.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing interference in a wireless communication system when the source of interference is a deterministic component of the system. In one embodiment, the receiver weights the transmitters according to when the source of interference is transmitted. Further, the transmitter may employ power boosting to overcome the source of interference. In one embodiment, a W-CDMA system transmits a sync channel concurrently with physical channels, wherein the sync channel is not orthogonal to the physical channels. The receiver may cancel the sync channel when receiving control or data information. Similarly, the receiver may weight the transmissions from multiple transmitters.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a plurality of messages in an Ethernet industrial control environment. The messages are tagged with identifiers of varying levels of priority. The system has a serial network bus. Clock synchronization messages generated by a master device are tagged with a higher priority identifier, while other message types are tagged with a lesser priority identifier. Data having the highest priority identifier is placed onto the bus before placing data with a lesser priority identifier onto the bus.

Abstract: Packet data from multiple types of data sources is stored. The data sources have reroutable and non-reroutable data. The multiple types of data sources flow into a multiuser channel in a wireless spread spectrum code division multiple access communication system. A queue for incoming data from each data source is provided. A backlog of data in the queue is tracked. Based on in part the tracked backlog, data flow from each of the data sources is limited. For each data source capable of rerouting packet data, packet data is selectively rerouted. For each data source not capable of rerouting packet data, packet data is selectively not sent.

Abstract: A method for control of packet data transmissions in a TDMA wireless network to provide for additional choices in the allocation of communication channels. Measurement and recovery periods are re-assigned to avoid conflicts in operating conditions. The re-assignments for the GPRS system may be reduced to a simple formula.

Abstract: A digital signal processing system includes multiple processor subsystems, an external input/output port (XPORT), and an XPORT arbiter. The processor subsystems each include a processor core and a DMA controller. The XPORT arbiter arbitrates between the processor cores and between the DMA controllers, and further arbitrates between processor control or DMA control of the XPORT. Upon a request signal from a DMA controller, the XPORT arbiter asserts a hold signal to the processor cores. The processor cores respond by asserting a hold acknowledge signal. A processor core will delay the hold acknowledge signal until through with the XPORT. The arbiter, then asserts a grant signal to the DMA controller requesting access. The arbiter may assert a grant signal to a processor core requesting access. However, the processor core's access will be stalled as long as the hold signal is asserted.

Abstract: A method and system for scheduling multiple frames and packets that are queued for transmission over a link, and queued from a link for storing into main memory. It recognizes priorities, provides fairness, and guarantees forward progress of all users. This method and system provides a mechanism that achieves the objectives with a very small state machine. It takes advantage of the nature of the traffic to calculate priorities in parallel to frame transmission.

Abstract: A wireless communication network may include a plurality of mobile nodes each including a wireless transceiver and a controller for controlling the wireless transceiver. The controller may also be for scheduling a plurality of time slots for establishing a communication link with a neighboring mobile node for transmitting data therebetween, where the data has a plurality of priority levels. The controller may also determine respective link quality values associated with the communication link during the time slots, and prioritize data to be transmitted during the time slots based upon the priority level of the data and the link quality values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides QoS shaping/provisioning scheme for a data communications switch, such as a DiffServ aware router or a 802.1Q aware bridge, in which distinct internal and outbound priority values are assigned to a packet based on flow properties associated with an inbound packet. The flow properties used to assign the internal and outbound priority values may include at least one value from a packet field that is not dedicated to defining QoS. The internal priority value provides a priority to the packet during processing in the switch. The outbound priority value is applied to the packet in lieu of the inbound priority value prior to transmitting the packet from the switch. The flow properties used to determine the internal and outbound priority values may include, for example, Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4 information encoded in the packet.

Abstract: A multiple mode RF communication device (100), such as a transmitter, receiver or transceiver, has a first RF communication resource (102, 122) that communicates by default using a first communication mode. A second RF communication resource (104, 124) communicates by default using a second communication mode. A system manager (110) deploys the first and second communication resources according to a set of deployment rules, wherein the deployment rules may be dependent upon a communication quality parameter, priorities, availability of the first and second communication resources as well as other parameters.

Abstract: In the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, a method of transport format combination selection is provided for directing data units for transmission from a buffer in the RLC layer to transport channels in the MAC layer. The method includes providing a set of information channels in the RLC layer for connection to the buffer and a set of transport channels in the MAC layer for transmission of the data units, selecting a subset of the information channels and a subset of the transport channels for interconnection, and selecting for each transport channel one or more information channels to be multiplexed on the transport channel. A mapping table and a transport block combination table are created as a result of prioritizing the selected transport channels according to a predetermined scheme in dependence on the characteristics of the information channels and then there from, determining the number of data units which may be transmitted in a timing interval.

Abstract: An approach for allocating system capacity of a communication switching system for exchange of traffic is disclosed. The system includes multiple terminals that request allocations of system capacity. The capacity is partitioned into a provisioned portion and an unprovisioned portion, in which a portion of the terminals constitutes a pool having a plurality of sub-pools. According to one embodiment, a control computer communicates with the plurality of terminals and allocates the provisioned portion of the capacity to the plurality of sub-pools of the terminals. The provisioned portion of the capacity is arranged into sub-partitions, wherein one of the sub-partitions is not associated with the sub-pools of terminals. Remaining sub-partitions are associated with the sub-pools of terminals.

Abstract: A transfer controller with hub and ports is viewed as a communication hub between the various locations of a global memory map. A request queue manager serves as a crucial part of the transfer controller. The request queue manager receives these data transfer request packets from plural transfer requests nodes. The request queue manager sorts transfer request packets by their priority level and stores them in the queue manager memory. The request queue manager processes dispatches transfer request packets to a free data channel based upon priority level and first-in-first-out within priority level.

Abstract: Information on the protocols supported by a target device and the address thereof are acquired by a simple operation, and communication is performed using a supported protocol. A device (1) 1 includes: a non-contact IC interface 2, which requests supported protocol information 8 of a device (2) 4 within a predetermined communication area in a network, and which acquires supported protocol information 8 from the device (2) 4; an IEEE 802.11b interface 3, which performs transmission signal processing and reception signal processing; test communication element, which performs test communication using the IEEE 802.11b interface 3; and communication element which, when test communication using the test communication element is possible, performs communication using a protocol of the protocol information 8 acquired by the protocol acquisition element.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a MAC protocol that allows the collection of a large number of range measurements, and based upon such measurements, permits a very precise computation of the location of terminals at a location. Specifically, the system and method operates with Mobile Terminals, Fixed References and at least one Main Control, wherein a MAC protocol defines the sequence of messages exchanged between each Mobile Terminals, Fixed Reference and the Main Control for assuring the data needed for computing the location is received.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprising a plurality of functional modules and interconnected via a packet router for conveying request and response packets is described. Transactions involve the dispatch of request packets and receipt of corresponding response packets. Each packet conveys a number of transaction attributes which can control how the packet is managed by control circuitry which controls the flow of packets on the packet router. For example the transaction attributes can include a transaction number, a grouping indicator, a priority indicator and a post indicator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of scheduling asynchronous transmissions for a plurality of subscriber units. The method includes receiving information associated with a plurality of subscriber units that have uplink data to transmit, the information including uplink timing offset information associated with each of the subscriber units. Two or more subscriber units are then selected from a set of subscriber units having a timing offset differential, that is below a predetermined threshold, where the timing offset differential is the difference between the timing offset of a first subscriber unit and the timing offset of a second subscriber unit further selectively offset by a multiple of the transmission segment size, which minimizes the difference.

Abstract: A method of generating data rate control information for a plurality of mobile stations within a sector of a mobile communication system enables a base station to efficiently maintain system stabilization in a current reverse link and satisfies a variety of QoS levels for a plurality of mobile stations in one sector. The method includes steps of calculating a priority for each of the plurality of mobile stations; calculating a system load of the sector; and setting, according to the respectively calculated priorities, data rate control information to be transmitted to each mobile station, whereby the system load falls between predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: The method concerns multicast service delivering through the UMTS and GSM networks. For this aim is given higher priority to an opportune subset of all the real-time services with guaranteed bandwidth transmissible by the network. This subset is named IS-MBMS (Immediate Streaming-Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service). A certain amount of physical resources is reserved in all the system for the IS-MBMS services; not real-time services can be transmitted on the reserved resources when not used by the IS-MBMS ones. The reserved resources allow for transmitting the IS-MBMS services with minimum bit-rate, at least. The network announces in the service area that an IS-MBMS content becomes available; in reply one or more subscribed users transmit a request for joining a multicast group for that service. The network transmits a notification message on a multicast channel to give to the joined users useful information of how get the announced service, i.e.: Service-Id, RB parameters, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide prioritized access to a shared communication medium which utilizes a contention based access arbitration mechanism and a contention-free arbitration mechanism. A first time duration during which the communication medium must be idle for a station to access the communication medium is associated with the contention based mechanism and a second time duration during which the communication medium must be idle to access the communication medium is associated with the contention-free mechanism. The first time duration is greater than the second time duration. Priority access to the shared communication may be provided by determining a priority time duration between the second time duration and the first time duration and accessing the shared communication medium if the shared communication medium is idle for the priority time duration.

Abstract: A multi-source data multiplexing system that accepts information packets from a plurality of signal sources, evaluates the relative efficiencies of data transmission, and transmits the information packets in provided grant regions for maximum efficiency. The multi-source data multiplexing system may accept any form of information packet from any form of signal source. The system receives a grant region, typically comprising a transmission time on a data channel, and inserts a information packet into the grant region. The actual information packet placed in the grant region may be one other than the packet for which the grant region was intended. Further, the multi-source data multiplexing system may fragment an information packet and transmit only a portion of the information packet in the grant region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for equitably allocating bandwidth to virtual networks operating on a common physical network, such as a power-line network for homeowners sharing a single power-line distribution transformer. An ad-hoc master is selected from the virtual power-line network controllers. The master allocates bandwidth to streams based on their priority group categorization. By way of example, four priority groups (A-D) are described into which stream priority is classified, with the highest priority group for communicating isochronous streams, the lowest priority for transferring asynchronous streams and the other priority groups for communicating streams having an intermediate level of transmission priority.

Abstract: A method for scheduling packet data transmissions in a wireless communication system wherein a per-user Priority Function (PF) is calculated based on the channel condition and throughput for each user. In one embodiment, the system supports retransmission of data packets and sub-packets, wherein the retransmission information is used to schedule data transmissions. In another embodiment, at each time interval the system updates the priority factor for the user having the highest priority factor in the previous time interval. The priority factors of the other users remain unchanged.

Abstract: A DMA system includes a plurality of transmit-receive pairs (102, 104) for communicating on a bus. A DMA controller (108) supervises bus handling. The DMA controller (108) includes a priority controller (114), a bus sniffer (112), and a context machine (116). The bus sniffer (112) and context machine (116) identify block transfers as frame or cell transfers and supervise interleaving. The priority controller (114) resolves the priority of each of the constituent transfers of the frame or cell block transfers using a matrix of priority tokens.

Abstract: A method and device for transmitting signals of a first category and signals of a second category over a link, said link providing a predetermined signal transmission rate, where said signals of the first category have a discontinuous characteristic comprising periods of activity and periods of inactivity, where a first channel is provided for carrying signals of the first category and a second channel is provided for carrying signals of the second category, and where the two channels each have respective proportions of the predetermined signal transmission rate of the link during periods of activity of the signals of the first category, and the proportion of the signal transmission rate assigned to the second channel during periods of inactivity of the signals of the first category is increased with respect to the period of activity.

Abstract: The priority communication system provides the capability to restrict access to wireless communications services to emergency service personnel, such that their access to wireless communication services is not interruptible. This is accomplished by provisioning the cell sites of a wireless communications system to respond to at least one service priority grouping, with emergency service personnel being assigned a selected service priority by a centralized emergency services agency. The service priority coverage area and emergency service personnel assigned the service priority are defined on a dynamic basis by the centralized emergency services agency and are indicated by a priority call access code that is transmitted to the emergency service personnel. In order to ensure the proper operation of the priority communication system, the priority call access codes are maintained in secrecy to thereby enable emergency service personnel to have access to wireless communications facilities.

Abstract: A system and method of arbitrating data return between simultaneous replies while maintaining priority over later replies is provided. The method includes receiving data in a plurality of priority buffers, detecting when two or more of the buffers are ready to read, storing unique identifications of the read-ready buffers in an order queue according to a priority of the buffer in which they are stored, and reading the unique identifications in the order queue in a first-in-first-out order.