초록 ▼

A network device operates to control the clumping of cells on a connection using a rate-based flow-control protocol. In each of successive intervals, a number N is calculated representing the maximum number of cells permitted to be transmitted consecutively. N is calculated as the quotient from divi

A network device operates to control the clumping of cells on a connection using a rate-based flow-control protocol. In each of successive intervals, a number N is calculated representing the maximum number of cells permitted to be transmitted consecutively. N is calculated as the quotient from dividing a cell delay variation tolerance (CDVT) by the difference between the reciprocal of an allowed cell rate (ACR) and the reciprocal of a link cell rate (LCR). If the calculated quotient is greater than a number NRM for the connection indicating the maximum number of data cells allowed between forward flow-control cells, then N is set equal to NRM. A value C is calculated as the largest integer factor of NRM that is no greater than N, and the interval is then divided into NRM/C sub-intervals. No more than C cells are allowed to be transmitted on the connection in each of the sub-intervals. This limit is enforced using a credit mechanism in which no more than C credits are extended to a cell transmitter in each sub-interval.

대표청구항 ▼

1. In a network device operable according to a rate-based flow-control protocol requiring the sending of a flow control cell on a connection of a data link in each group of no more than a predetermined number Nmax of cells sent on the connection, a method of controlling the transmission of cells on

1. In a network device operable according to a rate-based flow-control protocol requiring the sending of a flow control cell on a connection of a data link in each group of no more than a predetermined number Nmax of cells sent on the connection, a method of controlling the transmission of cells on the connection in each of successive intervals, comprising:calculating a maximum number N of cells permitted to be transmitted as a group of consecutive cells in the interval, N being calculated based on a generally variable allowed cell rate (ACR) prevailing for the connection for the interval; calculating a value C equal to an integer factor of Nmax that is no greater than N; and transmitting no more than C cells on the connection in each of Nmax/C sub-intervals of the interval.