FLOW CONTROL IN A PACKET DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

摘要

A communication system that includes multiple nodes controls a flow of data from a first node of the multiple nodes to a second node of the multiple nodes without relying on an estimate of a rate at which data is drawn from a buffer of the second node and such that an overflow and an underflow of the buffer is avoided. The second node determines multiple flow control parameters, including a current occupancy (Q) of the buffer and an upper threshold (U) and a lower threshold (L) for an occupancy of the buffer and determines a desired data rate (r) based on the multiple flow control parameters. The desired data rate can be used to adjust a data rate for the flow of data. In another embodiment, the communication system further dynamically controls a rate at which flow control messages are conveyed by the second node to the first node.