Frame synchronized ring system and method

摘要

A device-implemented method of data communications in a communications network is provided. A particular node which has data information to send is granted a turn when an incoming request signal is in an "off" state. An empty frame is captured and a frame of data information is sent in a downstream direction on the communication network when the particular node is granted a turn. An outgoing request signal is set in an "off" state when the empty frame is captured. The outgoing request signal is set in an "on" state when the empty frame is not captured and a turn has been granted. The outgoing request signal is set in an "on" state when the incoming request signal is in an "on" state and an incoming frame is not empty. The outgoing request signal preferably is sent in an upstream direction on the communication network where the upstream direction is different from the downstream direction on the communication network. A data communication network node and a communication network, which operate in accordance with the above-described method, also are provided.