Abstract: Disclosed is a method to reduce contention in a networked system and to provide superior bandwidth allocation to network devices contesting for network use. The method achieves reduced contention by reducing the amount of delay a network device is required to wait before attempting to transmit data after a data collision occurred. Superior bandwidth allocation is achieved by placing devices in back-off delay immediately after they transmit successfully.

Abstract: A base station transmits access control signals on a periodic basis having a first transmission rate. The base station transmits access control modification signals at a second transmission rate higher than the first transmission rate. The user equipment transmits an access attempt signal. The access attempt signal requests the base station to permit the user equipment access to the channel. The user equipment receives the transmitted access control signals and access modification signals. A wait period is determined based on in part the received access control signals and access control modification signals. In response to an unsuccessful access attempt, the user equipment delays transmitting a subsequent access attempt signal for the wait period.

Abstract: Applicants' Contention-Resolution System for a Command-Response Data Network uses a base unit (base) that detects the occurrence of collisions for the entire network and controls the maximum length of time allowed for the multiple remote units (remotes) in the network before re-trying to send responses to the base. The base either expands or contracts this maximum time delay as needed to accommodate the number of the possible network remotes, depending on the detected collision rate and the overall utilization of the network until the base determines that there are no remotes to be registered or all of the available network slots are filled, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: A method and system for multicast network transmissions dynamically sets response time parameters for handling negative acknowledgments (NAKs). When the sender receives a NAK for a lost packet, it returns an NAK confirmation (NCF), waits for a back-off time before sending requested repair data, and then waits for a “linger time” during which the sender does not respond to other NAKs for the same lost packet. The back-off time and the linger time are dynamically set according to the position of the requested sequence number in the sender's transmit window such that the back-off time is shorter when the requested data is closer to being flushed out of the transmit window. After receiving the NCF, the receiver waits for a timeout period and resends the NAK if no repair data is received. The timeout period for data receipt is dynamically set according to a statistical average time for receiving repair data from the sender and the estimated sender's transmit window size.

Abstract: A LAN interface using an Ethernet protocol is disclosed. The interface includes an Ethernet controller, which performs a control operation for LAN interfacing, a codec, which codes and decodes transmission/reception data, and a transceiver, which detects LAN collisions while data is being transmitted/received. It further includes a retransmission control circuit, which is coupled between the Ethernet controller and the codec and outputs the n-th data in accordance with a back-off algorithm after delaying a certain time when the n?1 data collisions occur on the same frame.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for initial ranging that dynamically adjusts the backoff window size to maximize the probability of success during contention access. The invention takes a first system performance measurement using a first backoff window size, a second system performance measurement using a second backoff window size different than the first backoff window size, and determines a third backoff window size based on the first and second system performance measurements.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling transmissions on a network from a source to a destination. A transmission is received from the destination. A signal characteristic of the transmission is determined. A statistical measure is updated using the signal characteristic. The statistical measure is compared to a threshold value. A data transmission from the source to the destination is deferred for a first time period if the comparison of the statistical measure fails. The data is transmitted from the source to the destination after the deferral, if any.

Abstract: Fair scheduling in broadcast environments is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computerized system includes a link through which packets are transmitted, and a plurality of nodes. Each node transmits a packet through the link when counting from a back-off interval reaches a predetermined transmission time. The back-off interval for each packet is based on at least a start tag of the packet, which is assigned to the packet when it arrives at or within the node for transmission over the link, such as at a controller (e.g., a medium-access controller, or MAC) of the node.

Abstract: Briefly, a method and apparatus to a channel access parameter to mobile units of a wireless communication network. The channel access parameter may be selected based on the probability of collisions between packets of the wireless network.

Abstract: In a self-organized distributed communication system utilizing a plurality of communication channels, improvement of a channel capacity is intended increase while using an access control method by carrier sensing. A station receives a beacon signal through each communication channel and grasps relative time information regarding to transmission/reception time of the beacon signal and communication channel information regarding a communication channel through which the beacon signal is transmitted/received. A new entry station obtains logical add (OR) of the grasped information to hold the time information and the communication channel information of the beacon signal. On transmitting/receiving data, the station switches the communication channel to use in accordance with the time information and the communication channel information to transmit a beacon signal to try communication.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for transmitting a data frame are described, which may enhance transmission efficiency by transmitting data frames of a plurality of colliding data frames based on a priority of the data frames. For one or more (or all) of a plurality or colliding data frames, a backoff time may be calculated. The calculation of the backoff time may be based on a relative priority of a given data frame as compared to the other colliding data frames. One or more (or all) of the colliding data frames may be transmitted based on the calculated backoff time.

Abstract: A method for improving scheduling fairness in using a network may include detecting whether or not a collision occurs during packet transmission in the network having a plurality of nodes; and storing and monitoring signal transmit/receive states before the collision with respect to each of the plurality of nodes; if the collision is detected, reading the previous transmit/receive states with respect to a node having the collision. The previous node state that has been read is judged and newly setting an inter packet gap (IPG) for the node. After waiting for a lapse of the IPG that has been set, a backoff is effected. After waiting for a lapse of the backoff time, a signal of the node that has been collided is retransmitted, and the status of the retransmitted signal of the node is analyzed to determine if the retransmitted signal collided. If the collision is not detected with respect to the retransmitted signal of the node, the signal transmit/receive state of the node is updated.

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 user equipment has a transmitter for transmitting an access attempt signal and data packets over a random access channel. The access attempt signal requests a base station to permit the user equipment access to the random access channel. A receiver receives access control signals and access control modification signals transmitted from a base station. A controller is operatively coupled to the receiver and transmitter. The controller determines a wait period based on in part the received access control signals and access control modification signals and delays transmission of a subsequent access attempt signal for the wait period in response to an unsuccessful access attempt to the random access channel.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates discovery of remote nodes in EPONs. The system includes a central node and at least one remote node. During operation, the system first receives a solicitation message from the central node, wherein the solicitation message includes a time stamp indicating the solicitation message's transmission time and assigns a starting time and size for a discovery slot in which the remote node is allowed to transmit a response message to the central node for registration. The system then sets a local time at the remote node according to the received time stamp. After a random delay starting from the beginning of the assigned discovery slot, the system transmits the response message to the central node during the discovery slot with a response transmission probability that is less than or equal to one.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling data transfer between two stations comprises a link manager for controlling allocation of available channels in a plurality of communications links. In each of the communications links data is transferred between two stations in at least one channel. Data for transfer from a data source is buffered in a data buffer. A controller determines latency in the buffer from the amount of data in the buffer and the rate at which data is being output from the buffer. The controller generates a request for a change in the allocation of channels in a communications link between two stations depending on the latency in the buffer and preset threshold values. The link manager is responsive to a request generated by the controller either to allocate a different number of channels to the communications link or to generate a refusal of the request.

Abstract: A technique that enables a shared communications medium to achieve an increased data rate under lossy conditions while maintaining low latency is disclosed. The technique incorporates two aspects that enable the improved performance. The first aspect comprises the rigorous use of a single message flow between two stations at any given time with interframe spaces that are adjusted to allow an uninterrupted flow of frames. An admission control protocol enforces the single flow. The second aspect is the creation of high shared channel utilization (i.e., “efficiency”). Efficiency is achieved by generating enough opportunities for stations to get on the air, in part by minimizing backoff intervals when a priority flow is needed.

Abstract: A base station transmits access control signals on a periodic basis having a first transmission rate. The base station transmits access control modification signals at a second transmission rate higher than the first transmission rate. The user equipment transmits an access attempt signal. The access attempt signal requests the base station to permit the user equipment access to the random access channel. The user equipment receives the transmitted access control signals and access modification signals. A wait period is determined based on in part the received access control signals and access control modification signals. In response to an unsuccessful access attempt, the user equipment delays transmitting a subsequent access attempt signal for the wait period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide decentralized prioritized scheduling of wireless access in a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) wireless local area network (LAN) is presented. Prior to and during data packet transmissions, a device station in the CSMA/CA wireless LAN continuously monitors transmission traffic in the bandwidth medium of the wireless LAN to determine whether the delay associated with pre-transmission of a data packet, due to the collision avoidance protocol in the CSMA/CA wireless LAN, exceeds the time frame in which the device station necessarily must transmit the data packet. If the delay is too great for the type of data packet to be transmitted, the device station decreases the possible range of the back-off duration of the collision avoidance protocol. Thus, the station device can increase its transmission priority by decreasing the randomly selected back-off duration range of values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting timing parameters in a wireless data network is disclosed. A server system receives a set of timing statistics that may include a set of timing statistics measured by a wireless client and a set of timing statistics measured by a server device that services the wireless client. The timing statistics reflect the performance of the wireless network. Using the timing statistics and other timing related information such as the type of the wireless networks, the sever device determines a new set of timing parameters to be used by itself and the wireless client device or other client devices. Besides other functional values having impact on the performance of the wireless data network, the timing parameters include an ordered set of numbers that represents a back-off curve for message retransmission. The server device then transmits the new timing parameters respectively to one or more wireless client devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a computer implemented method for assigning a back-off interval to an intermediary network access device in a Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) network. The number of client devices concurrently attempting to access said network via said intermediary network access device is first determined. The back-off interval is then determined based upon the number of client devices concurrently attempting to access the network via the intermediary network access device and is assigned to the intermediary network access device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting specific information between a controlling network element and a terminal device via a service center in a communication network, said method comprising the steps of transmitting user data and said specific information between said network element and said service center via a first communication connection by using an interworking functionality; and forwarding at least said specific information from said service center to said terminal device by using a gateway functionality. It is further possible to check whether a confirmation for outgoing of said specific information to said terminal device is required. If such a confirmation is required, routing information for said controlling network element is requested and received by said service center from a network element. The routing information is used for transmitting a status report from said service center to said controlling network element. Moreover, the present invention proposes a corresponding device and/or system.

Abstract: A radio base station, when detecting a collision of reception signals, transmits an access-restricted transmission allow signal IDLE2 to a irrelevant-to-collision radio terminal PS3 for access restriction. A plurality of relevant-to-collision radio terminals PS1 and PS2, when receiving the access-restricted transmission allow signal, set transmission delay times TR1 and TR2 determined by random numbers, respectively, and when receiving the access-restricted transmission allow signal after the lapse of their respective delay times, start the same transmission operation as when receiving a normal transmission allow signal. A separate radio terminal PS3, when receiving the access-restricted transmission allow signal before intended new signal transmission, suspends the new signal transmission until receiving the normal transmission allow signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for providing access priority in a MAC protocol of a communications system such as, for example, with respect to UMTS RACH. Particularly, the invention introduces several access priority methodologies including: (i) random chip delay access priority (RCDAP); (ii) random backoff based access priority (RBBAP); (iii) variable logical channel based access priority (VLCAP); (iv) UMTS-specific variable logical channel based access priority (VLCAP′); (v) probability based access priority (PBAP); and (vi) retransmission based access priority (REBAP). Each methodology associates some parameter or parameters to access priority classes in order to influence the likelihood of a remote terminal completing a successful access request to a base station.

Abstract: The present invention provides to an access management method and the communications apparatus capable of limiting an access from a monitor and control apparatus to a communications apparatus. In each of transmission apparatuses N1 to Nm, identification information of a monitor and control apparatus requesting an access is first obtained, and a uniquely determined level for each of monitor and control apparatuses WS1 to WSm is determined. A function of the monitor and control apparatuses requesting an access and its operation type are identified and, after that, it is determined on the basis of a predetermined table whether the access can be permitted or not.

Abstract: Applicants' Contention-Resolution System for a Command-Response Data Network uses a base unit (base) that detects the occurrence of collisions for the entire network and controls the maximum length of time allowed for the multiple remote units (remotes) in the network before re-trying to send responses to the base. The base either expands or contracts this maximum time delay as needed to accommodate the number of the possible network remotes, depending on the detected collision rate and the overall utilization of the network until the base determines that there are no remotes to be registered or all of the available network slots are filled, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: When a send packet from a slave station and a send packet from a relay station are simultaneously sent to other relay station, the collision of the send packets against each other is detected, and the backoff time of the collided packet is calculated based on the hop count recorded in a hop count recording field of the collided packet. Therefore, the backoff time is set so that the backoff time decreases with increasing the hop count. This increases the probability of resending of the packet without collision with other packet in the resending processing, and enables the packet having a larger hop count to be preferentially sent. By virtue of this construction, a priority data transfer method can be realized which, when collision of a packet against other packet has occurred, performs resend processing based on the priority level of the packet.

Abstract: In a communication system including plural communication apparatuses that communicate each other using a single communication path, the state of the communication path is detected for communication. If the communication path is busy, a first control method is performed for controlling access to the communication path using a back off time selected at random. A second control method secures the communication path by transmitting and receiving the predetermined signal at transmission of a signal so as to control access to the communication path. In accordance with the kind of the signal to be transmitted, the first or the second control method is selected for communication. Thus, plural communication apparatuses can perform efficient communication.

Abstract: A technique is provided for dynamically adjusting modem back-off parameters in a cable modem network. The technique is based on the theoretical result that the ratio of the number of the successful band width requests (Ns) to the number of collisions (Nc) has a value (e-31) when the back-off values are correctly estimated. The present technique for dynamically adjusting modem back-off parameters utilizes this concept to correspondingly correct the back-off parameters, depending upon the value of the Nc/Ns ratio, so as to cause this ratio to converge to the desired ratio of Nc/Ns equal to approximately 0.7. If the ratio of Nc/Ns is greater than a first specified value, the back-off start and backoff-end parameters (broadcast by the CMTS to cable modems on the downstream channel) are increased. If the ratio of Nc/Ns is less than a second specified value, the back-off start and backoff-end parameters are decreased.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the throughput of transmissions over a wireless local area network having a station and an access point. The station can send messages to the access point during a test period, where the messages can be sent as data frames. The access point can receive messages sent from the station during the test period. For messages received by the access point, the access point can send acknowledgements to the station, where the acknowledgements can be sent as control frames. The station can receive acknowledgements from the access point for messages received by the access point. The station can determine a throughput from the station to the access point for the test period based on the acknowledgements received at the station from the access point during the test period.

Abstract: A method to dynamically adjust the maximum back off time of an Ethernet controller in a half duplex 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 determining a maximum back off time limit based on a number of collisions a first data packet encounters before being transmitted over a network. Furthermore, the method includes the step of detecting a collision of a second data packet during transmission of the second data packet by the peripheral component coupled to the network. Additionally, the method also includes the step of determining a back off time. It should be appreciated that the back off time is substantially equal to or less than the maximum back off time limit.

Abstract: A plurality of wireless nodes in a network, such as elements of a residential or office home computer system, security system, HVAC or sprinkler system, or the like, communicate with each other over a radio frequency channel. A node generates a packet and transmits it to all the other nodes within range. All the receiving nodes in turn retransmit the packet to all the nodes within range of them. This process floods the network with packets, insuring that all of the nodes at the site receive the packet. The packet contains a de-looping code that is processed by all the nodes that receive the packet. The de-looping code insures that the packet is broadcast by any given node only once. Collisions resulting from multiple nodes simultaneously trying to gain access to the RF medium is avoided by implementing an exponential backoff algorithm, by which all the nodes wait for a random period of time before attempting transmission on the medium.

Abstract: A first wireless node provides a method of avoiding multiple access collision in a wireless network. The system receives a request to send data from a second wireless node (405) and determines if the system is receiving data from a third node (410). The system transmits a non-authorization message if the system is receiving data from the third node (415). If, however, the system is not receiving data from the third node, the system transmits an authorization message to the first wireless node (420). The system receives data from the second node in response to the authorization message (425) and then transmits an acknowledgment message to the second node acknowledging receipt of the data (435).

Abstract: A method for improving fairness in use of a network includes detecting whether or not collision occurs during packet transmission in a network having a plurality of nodes and successively monitoring X number of times of packet transmission state prior to collision of each node. The method further includes reading monitored value of nodes that have detected collision if collision is detected as a result of collision detection and selecting a value N as a value in the range of 1≦N≦2X in response to transmission and reception state of each node by determining the read state and then determining backoff time. Standard backoff is performed by adding 1 to the value N if transmission collision occurs again during signal retransmission of each node after backoff time. Updating network state of each node and determining backoff time by reading node state if transmission collision occurs during signal retransmission of each node after backoff time are also performed.

Abstract: A mixed rotative and weighted arbiter for arbitrating the priority of request signals R1-Rn supplied from a plurality of devices is disclosed. The arbiter is composed of a token circuit which delivers a token vector having one position set active. The token vector as well as the plurality of request signals are input to a rotative arbitration circuit. The rotative arbitration circuit processes a round robin algorithm to output a rotative request vector having input requests ordered from a higher to a lower priority configuration according to the active position of the token vector. The arbiter further comprises a weighted arbitration circuit connected to the output of the rotative arbitration circuit for generating a weighted request vector determining a linear priority configuration of the rotative request vector.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a large amount of data with priority for use with a CSMA/CD system includes the steps of checking to see if a transmission line has a free space in response to a data transmission request from a node serving as a source node, transmitting, if the transmission line has a free space, a priority transmission notice carried by a data-link-layer protocol signal of the CSMA/CD system from the source node to the other nodes, transmitting data for which the data transmission request has been made from the source node to a node serving as a destination node, and putting the nodes except the source node in a transmission-disabled, reception-enabled state when the priority transmission notice is received by the nodes. Also provided is an apparatus for achieving such a method.

Abstract: A communication network uses intermediate nodes to resolve local traffic contention. Intermediate nodes receive upstream signals from end users, derive traffic information signals from the upstream signals, and transmit the traffic information signals to end users. By listening to the traffic information signals from the intermediate node, the end users know whether the upstream transmission channels are idle or busy, or whether a collision has occurred. The intermediate nodes derive and transmit the traffic information signals with or without the assistance of the central office or head end.

Abstract: To minimize the time and resources typically associated with collision detection in a single channel communications system, this invention provides a method and apparatus for a collision based protocol that assures that one device in the system always wins a collision conflict. A device in accordance with this invention that is assured of always winning a collision conflict need not contain a collision detector, nor the storage resources typically used to buffer the effects of a collision. The device is also always assured of continuous transmission access once its transmission begins. This continuous transmission access is particularly well suited for high speed data access devices such as magnetic disks, laser discs, and the like, that access data continually as the disk passes by their read heads.

Abstract: A system and method for data collision resolution wherein the same back-off window is sent to a plurality of remote users and is recalculated to maintain a constant collision rate and thereby increase throughput. The collision rate of the network is estimated in the present invention by detecting collisions in reservation slots and the size of the back-off window is adjusted to maintain a collision rate of approximately 1−2/e.

Abstract: A method to ensure the quality of preferred communication services, a local network, a station, a local network controller and a program module therefor The invention relates to a method to ensure the quality of preferred (communications) services, especially voice services, in a local data network with different types of services, where data congestion or data collision on a shared transmission medium is treated by a collision detection method and by application of re-transmission rules after detection of data collisions, wherein depending on the type of service, the corresponding data packets are subject to different re-transmission rules and wherein the different re-transmission rules each define a set of different parameters for an algorithm to randomly calculate the backoff time, that a station has to wait after a collision detection, before it re-transmits a data packet affected by the collision, the different sets of parameters comprising each at least the mean of said backoff time, as well as to a loc

Abstract: A method for prioritizing multiple access to a communication channel for the transmission of packets from a plurality of devices on the communication channel. It comprises the steps of once a packet is ready to be transmitted over a communications channel, sensing if a channel is idle, waiting for a predetermined (prioritizing) time after sensing the channel is idle and then transmitting the packet only if the channel is sensed to still be clear at the end of that (prioritizing) time. A scheme is also described for applying an efficient frequency hopping technique to the method for use on congested, shared radio-bands requiring spread spectrum techniques for access to the band.

Abstract: Contention for a shared communications medium in a communications network involves a fine balancing act between wasting much network bandwidth sitting idle or recovering from collisions and transmitting data. Contention adaptation concepts are introduced for access to a shared medium, and adaptive algorithms for contention access using probabilities and backoffs are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transferring physical layer control information from a central access point to individual subscriber units while maintaining transparency to higher layers. Adaptation of wireline MAC protocols to wireless applications is greatly facilitated. Subscriber unit power level may be controlled from the central access point.

Abstract: A method of operating a repeater for a packet-based data transmission system wherein the repeater has a receiving port associated with a buffer whereby packets received at the port are temporarily stored before they are onwardly transmitted and wherein the repeater performs a contention resolution process such that if an attempted onward transmission of a packet is prevented by virtue of contention with a prior or an existing transmission, a subsequent attempt at transmission of that packet is delayed for a time which is likely to be substantially greater than a selected minimum time. The method includes examining a received packet to determine whether the packet is a multi-media packet, and giving the packet a higher priority in the contention resolution process such that if the packet is not transmitted onwardly owing to contention with a prior transmission, a fresh attempt at transmission of the packet is made on the expiry of the selected minimum time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for multimedia packet processing and, in particular, to a system and method for processing video or audio data in real time or near real time. The transmission of ordinary data packets that can tolerate a certain amount of delay is deferred so that video or audio packets can be transmitted ahead of ordinary data packets. The deferred data packets are stored in the second buffer module of the dual buffer module. After all of the video packets or audio packets are transmitted, the deferred data packets are transmitted prior to the transmission of other waiting data packets stored according to a related art back-off process.

Abstract: Systems and methods by which voice/data communications may occur in multiple modes/protocols are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided for multiple native mode/protocol voice and data transmissions and receptions with a computing system having a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus, and multi-protocol framing engines. Such systems preferably include subsystem functions such as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, LAN hub and data router. In preferred embodiments, a TDM bus and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, thereby enabling such multiple mode/protocol voice and data transmissions to be intelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system. A computer or other processor includes a local area network controller, which provides routing and hub(s) for one or more packet networks. The computer also is coupled to a buffer/framer, which serves to frame/deframe data to/from the computer from TDM bus.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for receiving and transmitting serial bus data packets in conformance with a CSMA/CA protocol implemented in an ACCESS.bus serial bus data protocol which may accommodate either RF or IR transmissions for peer-to-peer communications between computers and between peripherals, as well as computer-to-peripheral and peripheral-to-computer communications.

Abstract: An integrated semiconductor circuit having a number of circuit units which are driven by a clock signal and can be operated both in parallel and in series is provided. A connection supplying the clock signal is connected to the clock input of the respective circuit units via respective controllable switching devices. The control inputs of the switching devices are connected to an output of a random signal generator, so that a circuit unit is operated in parallel or in series with one or more of the other circuit units on the basis of the random signal. A method of operating an integrated semiconductor circuit is also provided.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and method of controlling the same, each that can integrally move between an infrastructure network and an ad hoc network. The mobile terminal can interconnect to an infrastructure network and an ad hoc network while moving. In an address management process, a connection network identification process, and a destination address capture process which are needed to establish communications with the terminal connected to a network, an infrastructure network connection procedure is integrated with an ad hoc network connection procedure. The integrated configuration consists of an ad hoc/ infrastructure network address management means, an ad hoc/ infrastructure integration move management means, an ad hoc/ infrastructure network integration destination address capture means. In each process, it is identified whether or not the mobile terminal is connected to an ad hoc network or infrastructure network, so that the procedure corresponding to the connected network is used.

Abstract: The mobile station to base station access in a cellular radio system is a classical problem of random multiple access using a shared common channel. Many multiple access protocols have been invented in the past with varied degrees of success in improving the throughput of the multiple access channel. The current invention is a new multiple access protocol which enhances the throughput and reduces the access delay by providing feedback of the detailed status of the access channel from the base station to the mobile station. The feedback mechanism and multiple access protocol are also applicable to other types of radio or wire-based channels.