Patent ID: 7009994
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: H04W,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A method of allocating between multiple communication sources a communication channel in a communication network, the method comprising the steps of: dividing the communication channel into a plurality of frames; dividing each of the frames into a plurality of slots; dividing a first one of the plurality of slots into a plurality of first mini-slots for use by the multiple communication sources to request the establishment of a new voice, data, or video transmission connection over the communication channel; dividing a second one of the plurality of slots into a plurality of second mini-slots also for use by the multiple communication sources to request the establishment of a new voice, data, or video transmission connection over the communication channel and for use by the multiple communication sources to augment an existing video connection over the communication channel; permitting a communication source of the multiple communication sources to use a mini-slot to request a static reservation of communication resources in the communication channel for a new video transmission connection over the communication channel while refusing to permit a communication source of the multiple communication sources to use a mini-slot to request a static reservation of communication resources in the communication channel for a new voice or data transmission connection over the communication channel; and permitting a communication source of the multiple communication sources to use a mini-slot to request a dynamic reservation of communication resources in the communication channel for a new voice or data transmission connection over the communication channel.