Patent ID: 6246702
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A network for communicating packets of data, comprising:a network medium;a plurality of devices for generating packets of data for transmission on said network medium; anda plurality of device adapters each including:a device interface for connecting to one of said devices and for receiving said packets generated thereby;a network interface for connecting to said network medium; anda processor connected to said interfaces for transmitting said packets received at said device interface to said network interface;said plurality of device adapters creating a frame of time, said frame repeating periodically and including a plurality of time phases;each of said device adapters having at least one of said time phases assigned uniquely thereto and transmitting said packets received at said device interface to said network medium during said time phase assigned thereto;said plurality of time phases including a free-access phase during which each of said device adapters is able to contend for access to the network medium and transmit said packets; andsaid plurality of device adapters including a master timing device for synchronizing said frame of time in said plurality of device adapters.