Packet-switched multiple-access network system with distributed fair priority queuing

• US 6,256,317 B1
• Filed: 02/19/1998
• Issued: 07/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/19/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP PTE Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Broadcom Homenetworking Inc (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ptasinski, Henry, Trachewsky, Jason, Holloway, John T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ton, Dang
• Assistant Examiner(s): VANDERPUYE, KENNETH N
• Application Number:
  US09/026,884
• Time in Patent Office: 1,230 Days
• Field of Search: 370/444, 370/445, 370/447, 370/442, 370/443, 370/414, 370/416, 370/412, 370/439, 370/461, 370/462, 370/463, 370/448, 340/825.5
• US Class Current: 370/447
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2801 Broadband local area networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40156 by using dedicated slots associated with a priority level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/413 with random access, e.g. carrier-sense multiple-access with collision detection [CSMA-CD]

Abstract

A packet-switched multiple-access network system with a distributed fair priority queuing media access control protocol that provides multiple levels of priority of access and fair collision resolution with improved performance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides high-speed transport of multimedia information on a shared channel. Further, in one embodiment, MAC level side-band signaling that is usefull to other levels of the network protocol (e.g., the physical layer) is also provided.

Claims

1. 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; and

a 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; and

a 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.

2. The system as in claim 1 wherein the HOLDOFF signal and a transmission timed to end at a frame boundary is used to implement a synchronous frame interval within which the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol functions.

3. Computer data signals in a carrier wave signal transmitted over a packet-switched multiple-access network comprising:

a collision signal, the collision signal indicating a collision of a packet sent by a first station connected to the network with a packet sent by a second station connected to the network; and

at least two contention slots, the contention slots, which each have a different priority to provide multiple levels of priority of access, being used for contention transmission opportunities controlled by a distributed fair priority queuing MAC (Media Access Control) protocol executed by the first station and by the second station to resolve the packet collision on a per packet per access priority basis;

wherein the carrier wave signal includes a HOLDOFF signal, the HOLDOFF signal being 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.

4. A method for a packet-switched multiple-access network, the method comprising:

transmitting packets to a shared communication channel and receiving packets from the channel;

executing a distributed fair priority queuing MAC (Media Access Control) protocol, the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol resolving packet collisions on the channel on a per packet per access priority basis such that stations connected to the channel will have a fair and prioritized opportunity to transmit pending packets;

detecting the presence or absence of transmissions on the channel;

demodulating received transmissions into packet date;

modulating packet data into signals for transmission;

detecting a collision;

providing a plurality of contention slots, the contention slots being used for packet transmission contention opportunities that are ordered according to access priority; and

transmitting a HOLDOFF signal, the HOLDOFF signal being used to suspend the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol for a predetermined time interval such that the predetermiend time interval can be used for access by a station that is not executing the distributed fair priority queuing MAC protocol.

5. A method for a packet-switched multiple-access network, the method comprising:

transmitting packets to a shared communication channel and receiving packets from the channel;

executing a distributed fair priority queuing MAC (Media Access Control) protocol, the distributed fair Priority queuing MAC protocol resolving packet collisions on the channel on a per Packet per access priority basis such that stations connected to the channel will have a fair and prioritized opportunity to transmit pending packets;

detecting the presence or absence of transmissions on the channel;

demodulating received transmissions into packet date;

modulating packet data into signals for transmission;

detecting a collision; and

providing a plurality of contention slots, the contention slots being used for packet transmission contention opportunities that are ordered according to access priority;

wherein the plurality of contention slots are further used for segregating transmissions at different baud rates or different modulation formats.