초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus for aggregating IP packets over an access link between a wireless access router and a core node and for managing resource allocation to access link packet aggregates, e.g., as a function of the status of wireless communications links used to couple mobile nodes to the access ro

Methods and apparatus for aggregating IP packets over an access link between a wireless access router and a core node and for managing resource allocation to access link packet aggregates, e.g., as a function of the status of wireless communications links used to couple mobile nodes to the access router are described. Improved aggregate resource control messages and use of such messages are described. Some of the new messages allow aggregate resources for both upstream and downstream aggregates to be controlled in a single message. A single message may include information corresponding to multiple aggregates and/or multiple constituent flows included in an aggregate with aggregate direction information being included. Use of tunnels to communicate management messages, e.g., messages used to control resource allocation to aggregates is also described. Propagation of access link aggregate information is communicated to tunnel end nodes which generate packets that are communicated over the access link.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A communications method comprising:transmitting an aggregation message from a first node to a second node, the aggregation message comprising:a first aggregate identifier which uniquely identifies a first packet aggregate configured to communicate a first set of packets in a f

What is claimed is: 1. A communications method comprising:transmitting an aggregation message from a first node to a second node, the aggregation message comprising:a first aggregate identifier which uniquely identifies a first packet aggregate configured to communicate a first set of packets in a first direction between the first node and the second node;a first aggregation direction indicator indicating the first direction;a second aggregate identifier which uniquely identifies a second packet aggregate;a second aggregation direction indicator indicating a second direction which is different from the first direction, wherein the second packet aggregate is configured to communicate a second set of packets in the second direction between the first node and the second node;a first aggregate classifier that defines first constituent packets that are members of the first set of packets and defines the first packet aggregate as a target aggregate for said constituent packets;a second aggregate classifier that defines second constituent packets that are members of the second set of packets and defines the second packet aggregate as a target aggregate for said second constituent packets;information identifying at least two sets of packets of the first packet aggregate; andinformation identifying at least two additional sets of packets of the second packet aggregate.