System and method for allocating a shared resource among competing devices
First Claim
1. A method of allocating a bandwidth-limited, shared resource among a plurality of competing devices, comprising the steps of:
- dividing an available time of the resource into a plurality of time segments;
allocating one or more of the time segments among the competing devices in a predetermined order to provide a first level of arbitration;
providing a list of competing devices;
allocating a token entitling one of the competing devices in the list of competing devices to a time segment;
allocating a time segment to the competing device having the token if the time segment is unallocated after the first level of arbitration to provide a second level of arbitration; and
allocating the time segment to the device having a predetermined rank in the list of competing devices if the time segment is unallocated after the second level of arbitration to provide a third level of arbitration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and method for establishing "virtual connections" through a packet switched data communications network, the network including a plurality of end systems and switches connected by links. Each end system has a unique physical layer address and each switch has a connection database of valid connections between different ports on the switch and a switching mechanism for establishing temporary connections. Each switch is registered with a connection server such that, prior to transmission of a connectionsless datagram from a first end system to a second end system, a path of valid remains as a connectionless datagram. In other aspects, an improved method is provided for allocating bandwidth among competing devices requesting access to a bandwidth limited shared resource (e.g., the previously defined switch), and to a search method for making a best path determination through the network based on a number of constraints.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of allocating a bandwidth-limited, shared resource among a plurality of competing devices, comprising the steps of:
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dividing an available time of the resource into a plurality of time segments; allocating one or more of the time segments among the competing devices in a predetermined order to provide a first level of arbitration; providing a list of competing devices; allocating a token entitling one of the competing devices in the list of competing devices to a time segment; allocating a time segment to the competing device having the token if the time segment is unallocated after the first level of arbitration to provide a second level of arbitration; and allocating the time segment to the device having a predetermined rank in the list of competing devices if the time segment is unallocated after the second level of arbitration to provide a third level of arbitration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system for allocating a bandwidth-limited, shared resource among a plurality of competing devices, comprising:
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means for dividing an available time of the resource into a plurality of time segments; means for allocating the time segments among the competing devices in a predetermined order to provide a first level of arbitration; means for providing a list of competing devices; means for allocating a token entitling one of the competing devices in the list of competing devices to a time segment; means for allocating a time segment to the competing device having the token if the time segment is unallocated after the first level of arbitration to provide a second level of arbitration; and means for allocating the time segment to the device having a predetermined rank in the list of competing devices if the time segment is unallocated after the second level of arbitration to provide a third level of arbitration. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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8. The system of class 7, wherein the shared resource is a data transfer device having a plurality of interfaces and the competing devices are connected to the interfaces, and wherein the allocation of time segments controls data transfer to and from the interfaces.
Specification