| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to a communications network for transferring data in accordance with a transfer priority number. The network has a number of switching nodes (4) which transfer data between end stations (5, 6, 7) coupled to the network. Each switching node (4) has a store (24) for storing data prior to transfer, a monitor for monitoring the volume of data being transferred through the switching node, a comparator for comparing the volume of data to a predetermined threshold, and a signal generator for generating a congestion signal if the respective volume of traffic exceeds the predetermined threshold. In this case the adjacent switching nodes (4) and/or end stations (5, 6, 7) respond to the congestion signal to temporarily store at least some of the data to be transferred via the respective switching node (4). The data which is stored is selected based upon its priority number.</p> |
