Variable data rate channel for digital network.

摘要

Digital data networks (such as the ISDN) which provide transmission between selected locations may use time multiplexed slots with predetermined maximum bit-rates. However local area networks (LANs) transmit packets, containing data bits, at a rate which varies frequently and often corresponds to a higher bit-rate than can be handled by individual slots. In the present invention packets arriving at a port 15 are allocated to queues 174 to 178 each for a respective destination, and each queue is allocated a group of slots on a digital data network. The slot contents are assembled into frames in a buffer 172 and transmitted by way of a terminal 11 to the digital network. On reception, the contents of several frames of incoming multiplexed slots are held in a frame store182 and then assembled into packets in buffers 184 to 188 making allowance for arrival in a different slot order and different frames. Marker signals are sent periodically in each slot and these signals are used to specify the order in which the slots were transmitted and to signal when the number of slots in each group is to change to allow for variations in packet traffic.