A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEGMENTATION AND REASSEMBLY OF PACKETS/CELLS OVER SATELLITE/WIRELESS NETWORKS

摘要

A method and apparatus for providing for segmentation, reassembly and invers e multiplexing of variable sized packets and ATM cells over satellite and wireless links. Variable sized packets are divided into segments having a size equal to that of an ATM cell and are arranged in a segmentation and reassembly (SAR) frame having in its overhead an indication as to the length and unique identity of the frame, each segment also having a header that uniquely identifies the segmen t, the destination and the origination of the packet from which the segment originates, A terminal id is also used to identify the unit, sit e and control group from which the segment originates so that the information can be transmitted on the basis of available bandwidth on demand .