Patent ID: 6426944
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A data network apparatus having improved data flow control, said data network apparatus comprised of:a network element, coupled to a data network, said network element sending and receiving data packets to and from said data network and sending and receiving control messages; a router coupled to said network element, said router comprising a multi-layer message protocol stack for receiving a control message from said network element at a layer N of said multi-layer message protocol, the router further including a controller having an operating system programmed in response to the receipt of said control message to generate an N+2 control message through a packet protocol data unit for passage up the protocol stack to layer N+2, the protocol data unit for requesting a virtual control channel between layer N+2 of said router and layer N+2 of a said work station; at least one work station sending and receiving data packets to and from said router at said layer N+2, said work station being responsive to control messages received from said router in response to control messages from said router.