Patent ID: 6181684
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: H04B,H04J

Abstract:
A method for optimizing utilization of bandwidth in a communication network having multiple communication sources, multiple nodes and at least one wireless communication link, the method comprising:partitioning said at least one wireless communication link into X communication channels; andassigning N communication sources of said multiple communication sources to communicate information over an air interface through said X communication channels for a first predetermined time interval, wherein X has a numeric value which is less than a numeric value of N and assigning N communication sources of said multiple communication sources to communicate information over an air interface through said X communication channels for said first predetermined time interval comprises:receiving a request for a channel assignment from a communication source, said request including a requisition for a connection corresponding to a desired level of quality of service during a first time interval;determining for a second predetermined time interval whether said desired level of quality of service is available for assignment during said first time interval;if said desired level of quality of service is available for assignment during said first time interval, assigning said communication source a communication channel corresponding to said desired quality of service during said first time interval;if said desired level of quality of service is not available for assignment during said first time interval, determining if said communication source is willing to accept said channel assignment to communicate using one of said X communication channels corresponding to a next available level of quality of service during said first time interval; andif said communication source is willing to accept an assignment to communicate using said one of said X communication channels corresponding to said next available level of quality of service during said first time interval, assigning said communication source to said one of said X communication channels corresponding to said next available level of quality of service during said first time interval.