Patent ID: 7031258
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A digital data system comprising a plurality of nodes interconnected by at least one link, the nodes being configured to communicate message packets on the link, each message packet having a format and a plurality of symbols that are transmitted by a first node on the link and received by a second node on the link, wherein the message packet is aligned in relation to a frame signal, at least one of said first and said second nodes being configured to communicate a link level control symbol, the link level control symbol being interposed between symbols of a message packet as an additional symbol to signal an adjacent node on the link, such that the adjacent node receives the additional symbol before completion of the message packet to effect a link level control of message flow on the link wherein said additional symbol is asserted with a marker whereby the adjacent node detects the control symbol within the message packet to effect said link level control of message flow wherein a node transmits the interposed control symbol in alignment with a symbol boundary in a message packet, whereby received data may be passed through a register of fixed size and the control symbol is discerned via the marker, permitting alignment of portions of a message packet irrespective of interposition of the control symbol therebetween.