Patent ID: 6041051
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: H04L,H04Q,H04W

Abstract:
A method for transmission of synchronous transfer mode (STM) payloads, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) payloads, and asynchronous variable length (VL) payloads over a bi-directional broadband communications network having a source and a destination, said method comprising the steps of:dividing said transmission into a series of successive time subframes;partitioning each of said time subframes into at least a first region, a second region, and a third region;demarcating a first boundary between said first region and said second region;demarcating a second boundary between said second region and said third region;allocating at least one time slot within said first region for transmission of said STM payloads whenever said STM payloads are queued at said source for transmission to said destination;designating said second region for transmission of said ATM payloads, wherein an individual ATM cell of said ATM payload is allowed to cross successive second region boundaries; and designating said third region for transmission of said asynchronous VL payloads;wherein an individual VL data unit of said VL payload is allowed to cross successive third region boundaries.