Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Switching a message which includes an address header
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-08
2001-05-15
Kizou, Hassan (Department: 2662)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Switching a message which includes an address header
C709S252000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06233241
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a transmission system which comprises a plurality of network elements which are arranged in a hierarchical, tree-like structure, and means for the management and allocation of resources to a network element.
2. Description of the Related Art
Such a transmission system is known from the publication “A primer on the T.120 Standard”, DataBeam, 1995, P.5.
A transmission system of this kind is used, for example for communication and data transmission in a network consisting of a plurality of users and/or in distributed data bases. The management of resources in such distributed environments, i.e. the management, allocation and blocking of resources, is a decisive factor in respect of the speed and efficiency of a transmission system. Resources are, for example permissions which are available in the transmission system, for example the permission to speak in a communication system or the permission to use an arbitrary system element. A given quality of service may also be considered as a resource.
The infrastructure of known distributed transmission systems is organized in a hierarchical and tree-like manner. Starting from a main network element, in which the so-called top provider is localized, connections can be established with further network elements which are arranged at lower hierarchical levels. Network elements in which so-called providers are located offer, in addition to other services, the functionality for the management of resources in the transmission system. A network element can claim a resource as soon as a connection has been established between this element and the network element managing the resource. The path through the tree structure thus formed, extending from a first network element which manages a resource to a second network element which claims the resource offered, is referred to as a resource path.
The allocation and the possession of a resource can be described in abstract terms as the allocation and the possession of a token. In known transmission systems the number of a token and the possessor are stored by appropriate means in the transmission system. In the case of distributed storage, storage takes place in each network element. A change of the state of a resource, i.e. when the possessor of a token changes, when a token is released or surrendered, may cause a plurality of updating messages between all network elements and could lead to a different state of the information in different network elements. Central storage of the information, however, has the drawback that each information concerning a resource, for example the requesting of a resource, must be addressed to the top provider and possibly transported further to the central storage element arranged in a different location. In large transmission systems this leads to very long response times for a resource request and overall to a reduction of the efficiency of the transmission system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to enhance the efficiency and the transmission speed of a transmission system of the aforesaid kind and to simplify the resource management.
This object is achieved according to the invention in that network elements which are arranged along a resource path, extending from a first network element to a second network element, include means for storing the course of the resource path.
As opposed to known transmission systems, not the possessor (the network element) of a resource itself is stored in the network elements along a resource path, but only an indication as to in which branch of the next lower hierarchical level there can be found the network element whereto a resource is allocated, i.e. in which branch the resource path extends. A central database in which the states and the possessors of all resources are stored can either be completely dispensed with or it may have a simpler construction, since the path to the network element whereto the resource is allocated can be found via the information stored in the network elements along a resource path. The request for a resource can thus be quickly answered, since this request need not be applied to and answered by a central database in all cases, but only need be transported as far as a network element having enough information concerning the state of the requested resource. Moreover, the information concerning the change of state of a resource need only be applied to the network elements along the resource path and possibly also to the central storage element, but not to all other network elements. Ultimately this results in a higher efficiency and an increased speed of the transmission system. In a further embodiment of the invention, the network elements along the resource path include a respective database in which the states of the resources in the branches, emanating therefrom, of the lower hierarchical levels are stored. When a network element requests a resource allocated to a network element in a neighboring branch (a branch which emanates from the same network element as the branch in which the requesting network element is situated), the request can be readily answered, without it being necessary to involve a central database or the top provider.
The invention is used in transmission systems, for example in multipoint communication systems, in which a plurality of communication stations are arranged in a hierarchical network and a transmitter can communicate with a plurality of receivers. In that case the resources managed are, for example transmission channels.
The invention also relates to a network element and to a resource management system. The resource management system is preferably arranged so as to be distributed between a plurality of network elements, via the transmission system.
The invention also relates to a storage medium for use in a resource management system, such as notably a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk or another storage device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4885742 (1989-12-01), Yano
patent: 5537394 (1996-07-01), Abe et al.
patent: 5539883 (1996-07-01), Allon et al.
patent: 5612959 (1997-03-01), Takase et al.
“A Primer on the T. 120 Standard”, DataBeam, 1995, p. 5.
Helbig Tobias
Trossen Dirk
Kizou Hassan
Mehra Imder
U.S. Philips Corporation
LandOfFree
Hierarchical transmission system with distributed storage of... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hierarchical transmission system with distributed storage of..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hierarchical transmission system with distributed storage of... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2487520