System and method for employing single-bit feedback control within a variable bit rate data transmission network

摘要

The invention conveys network related information utilizing a single bit within a data cell. This is facilitated through a statistical analysis of a plurality of such single bits collected over a period of time from multiple data cells, and provides a level of intelligence beyond a simple indication of whether or not a particular parameter has exceeded a preset threshold. Thus a switch compiling such information can convey more accurate statistical information with respect to a varying parameter related to data cells (such as queue size, current transmission rate or link utilization) being sent to the various receivers within the network. Each receiver can then apply a suitable filter to the stream of received bits to extract the appropriate information, and send that information back to the source. In response, the source adapts the transmission rate or amount of data cells being sent to the switch accordingly.