Patent ID: 6256317
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A packet-switched multiple-access network system comprising a shared communication channel, a first station connected to the shared communication channel, and a second station connected to the shared communication channel, wherein the first station and the second station each comprise:a network interface, the network interface transmitting packets to the channel and receiving packets from the channel; anda distributed fair priority queuing MAC (Media Access Control) protocol executed by the first station and by the second station, the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol resolving packet collisions between the first station and the second station on a per packet per access priority basis;wherein the network interface includes:a multiple access controller, the multiple access controller executing the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol;a carrier and signal detect that communicates with the multiple access controller, the carrier and signal detect detecting the presence or absence of transmissions on the channel;a demodulator, the demodulator converting received transmissions into packet data;a modulator, the modulator converting packet data into signals for transmission, wherein the transmission of the station is controlled by the multiple access controller using carrier sense; anda collision detect that communicates with the multiple access controller, the collision detect detecting the presence of a simultaneous transmission (a collision);wherein a HOLDOFF signal is used to suspend the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol for a predetermined time interval such that the predetermined time interval can be used for access by a third station that is not executing the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol.