초록 ▼

A packet-switched multiple-access network system with a distributed fair priority queuing media access control protocol that provides multiple levels of priority of access and fair collision resolution with improved performance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides high-speed transpor

A packet-switched multiple-access network system with a distributed fair priority queuing media access control protocol that provides multiple levels of priority of access and fair collision resolution with improved performance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides high-speed transport of multimedia information on a shared channel. Further, in one embodiment, MAC level side-band signaling that is usefull to other levels of the network protocol (e.g., the physical layer) is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [4.]4. A method for a packet-switched multiple-access network, the method comprising:transmitting packets to a shared communication channel and receiving packets from the channel;executing a distributed fair priority queuing MAC (Media Access Control) protocol, the distributed

[ What is claimed is:] [4.]4. A method for a packet-switched multiple-access network, the method comprising:transmitting packets to a shared communication channel and receiving packets from the channel;executing a distributed fair priority queuing MAC (Media Access Control) protocol, the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol resolving packet collisions on the channel on a per packet per access priority basis such that stations connected to the channel will have a fair and prioritized opportunity to transmit pending packets;detecting the presence or absence of transmissions on the channel;demodulating received transmissions into packet date;modulating packet data into signals for transmission;detecting a collision;providing a plurality of contention slots, the contention slots being used for packet transmission contention opportunities that are ordered according to access priority; andtransmitting a HOLDOFF signal, the HOLDOFF signal being used to suspend the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol for a predetermined time interval such that the predetermiend time interval can be used for access by a station that is not executing the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol.