Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting data packets in a communication network using a plurality of radio channels. The network is organized into a plurality of communication layers including a data link layer MAC and a physical layer PHY. The method includes aggregating data packets to be transmitted to a single recipient, in the MAC layer, outputting at least two aggregated packets, with which a single header of the PHY layer is associated. At least two of the radio channels are concatenated to form a concatenated channel. The aggregated packets are simultaneously transmitted respectively over at least two separate concatenated sub-channels, one concatenated sub-channel including at least one of the radio channels of the concatenated channel.

Abstract: An architecture, a system and a method monitors data structures over an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. The data structures are portions of entries posted and stored to a descriptor mechanism. A resource request is submitted by a requesting control device to an AV/C resource schedule bulletin board subunit, where request data is stored and posted. The requesting control device submits a corresponding notify command data frame to the AV/C bulletin board subunit. When a competing control device performs a specified type of access activity on a specified data structure, the bulletin board subunit sends a notify response frame to the original requesting control device. The notify response frame provides an alert to the original requesting control device that the specified access activity has been performed on the specified data structure by a competing control device.

Abstract: Method and system for routing frames in a network is provided. The method comprises, receiving a frame at a receive port of a networking switch element; determining a transmit port and a virtual lane for routing the frame; asserting a request signal to the transmit port; waiting for an accept signal from the transmit port; determining if an output link on the transmit port is unavailable and if a flow control credit is available for transmitting the frame; sending the frame to the transmit port if the accept signal is asserted; and transmitting the frame on the output link and de-asserting the request signal.

Abstract: The invention is an architecture, a system and a method for monitoring data structures over an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. The data structures are portions of entries that are posted and stored to a descriptor mechanism. Preferably, the entries are schedule entries posted and stored to an AV/C resource schedule bulletin board subunit. According to the invention, a resource request is submitted by a requesting control device to the AV/C resource schedule bulletin board subunit, where request data is stored and posted as a schedule entry. The requesting control device also submits a corresponding notify command data frame to the AV/C bulletin board subunit. The notify command frame instructs the bulletin board subunit to monitor a specified data structure within the schedule entry. Preferably, the notify command frame also specifies the type of access activity that is monitored.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which allow unstored computed results to be accessed without the normal overhead associated with traditional data forwarding and bypass techniques. Through the use of multiplexers and bi-directional OR controllers the unstored data is readily accessible for use before it is stored in a register file. The circuitry used also allows bi-directional travel across a register file or bank as information is passed between the bi directional controllers used. Latches can also be used in the circuitry. Additionally, the features of the invention allow the required number of select signals fed to the multiplexers used to be reduced over conventional methods. These reductions are possible through circuitry disclosed herein.

Abstract: A relay multiplexing system which provides improved safety from hazardous voltage conditions. The relay multiplexing system comprises a relay multiplexer module and a terminal block which connects to the relay multiplexer module. The relay multiplexer module and corresponding terminal block incorporate a design according to the present invention whereby power can only be provided to the respective relays when the corresponding terminal block is connected to the respective relay multiplexer module. The terminal block is required to form an electrical path between the power supply in the relay multiplexer module and the relays. Thus, when the terminal block is removed from the corresponding relay multiplexer module, power is unable to be provided to the relays, thereby ensuring safety from hazardous voltages which could otherwise appear on exposed pins of the connector.