Patent ID: 6236662
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A multi-access communications method for the exchange of datagram and virtual circuit information, having variable packet size and data rates, among multiple users of a communications network, said multi-access communications method comprising the steps of:assessing available network resources, said assessment comprising the steps of:determining a number of nodes in said network: determining a neighbor table matrix; anddetermining which of a plurality of slots are occupied;determining a duration of information to be exchanged;determining a number of a slot in which said exchange is to begin;determining a subset of said available network resources that is available for said exchange based upon said available network resources, a duration of said information to be exchanged, and a number of a slot in which said exchange is to begin;verifying an anticipated allocation of said network resources;determining a type of said information to be exchanged;determining a means to exchange said information based upon said type of information; andexchanging said information.