Patent ID: 6198728
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: H04L,H04Q,H04W,Y02D

Abstract:
A method for communicating data packets within a network comprising a plurality of nodes, wherein an active node is one of said nodes having one or more packets to transmit, said method comprising the steps of:communicating a request for an allocation of time within a frame period from each active node,allocating a first time of transmission and a first duration of transmission for transmitting messages to said active nodes;allocating a second time of transmission and a second duration of transmission within said frame period from each of said active nodes, in dependence upon said request for allocation,communicating said allocation of second time and second duration to each of said active nodes within said frame period, andtransmitting packets from each of said active nodes in accordance with said allocation of second time and second duration within said frame period,wherein said allocating step includes:determining a delay tolerance level associated with each of said packets, andallocating said second time of transmission and said second duration of transmission to each of said active nodes, in dependence upon said request for allocation, and in dependence upon said tolerance levels.