초록 ▼

A communications system is provided for sending and receiving information relative to a mobile unit in which a number of network channels are available through which the information can be transferred. The system includes a link selector for selecting an acceptable network channel using application

A communications system is provided for sending and receiving information relative to a mobile unit in which a number of network channels are available through which the information can be transferred. The system includes a link selector for selecting an acceptable network channel using application requirements for the particular channel, together with channel operating parameter values. When such a channel does not become available, the link selector is also involved with recovery procedures. These network channel operating parameters include bandwidth, information transfer costs and information transfer packet loss, latency and jitter. Weighting vectors are also utilized with such channel operating parameters in determining suitability values associated with the available network channels. The link selector communicates with a link scheduler that has responsibility for determining when information should be transferred including when there should be a change in the timing of the information transfer. The link selector also receives data from a controller/monitor that obtains such dynamic data associated with selected network channel operation in connection with determining whether a switch should be made from the currently selected network channel to different network channel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] An apparatus for transferring first and second information when a plurality of different network channels including a first network channel and a second network channel are available over which the information can be transferred, comprising:network interfaces located wit

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] An apparatus for transferring first and second information when a plurality of different network channels including a first network channel and a second network channel are available over which the information can be transferred, comprising:network interfaces located with a mobile unit that communicate with the plurality of network channels including a first network interface communicating with the first network channel and a second network interface communicating with the second network channel;a protocol stack located with the mobile unit and in communication with said network interfaces; anda link selector held with the mobile unit that is used in determining that the first network channel is to be used for transferring at least the first information, said link selector is also used in determining that a change is to be made from using the first network channel to using the second network channel to transfer the second information, said protocol stack receiving an indication that the second network channel is to be used and provides second network channel addressing information to said second network interface that is used in directing the second information to the second network channel for transfer, with the second information then being transferred using the second network channel and all control for said change to using the second network channel being conducted interiorly of the mobile unit.