Patent ID: 7385933
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A forwarding apparatus for use in a data distribution system comprising a plurality of forwarding apparatuses linked by a communications network for forwarding data elements from a source of data elements to at least one receiver accessible to a forwarding apparatus of the system, said forwarding apparatus comprising: an input for receiving a data element to be forwarded; timer means; monitoring means for repeatedly monitoring at least one predetermined characteristic contributing to delay in transferring a data element between forwarding apparatuses of the system and to periodically output data indicative of the contribution to delay due to each said monitored characteristic; calculating means operable to calculate, from an output of the monitoring means, a maximum expected delay in transferring a data element from said forwarding apparatus to a destination forwarding apparatus for ultimate delivery to a receiver and thereby to calculate, at a time indicated by the timer means, a current prescribed time for delivery of the data element to a receiver by said destination forwarding apparatus; and forwarding means operable to write into a received data element a current prescribed time for delivery as calculated by said calculating means, and to forward the received data element; wherein said calculation means is operable to calculate a maximum expected delay associated with a predetermined probability that the delay in forwarding a data element from said forwarding apparatus to a destination forwarding apparatus of the system will exceed the maximum expected delay.