Multiplex communications – Wide area network – Packet switching
Patent
1995-01-30
1996-09-03
Safourek, Benedict V.
Multiplex communications
Wide area network
Packet switching
370 856, 370 858, H04L 12413
Patent
active
055530729
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for media access control of a first node in a network on a powerline communication medium. The apparatus includes a priority controller for providing a transmit authorization signal. The authorization signal can be responsive to a unique priority of the first node in relation to other nodes in the network, with the priority controller receiving the node's priority from a node network controller in the first node. The apparatus includes an access controller for receiving the transmit authorization signal and, in response, communicating a transmit request signal to the node network controller. The apparatus also includes an arbitration controller for preventing the node from transmitting to the network until a predetermined number of other nodes have been allowed to precedentially access the network. The arbitration controller responds to the priority controller, and sends a transmit inhibition signal to the access controller, inhibiting node transmission irrespective of the authorization signal. The invention also provides a method for communication by a first node in a network having a plurality of nodes, including the steps of sensing a powerline communication medium for the presence of a carrier signal by the first node; inhibiting transmitting by the first node to the network if the presence of the carrier signal is sensed; and transmitting at least one data packet, if the carrier signal is not sensed on the network and the current priority period corresponds with a first predetermined priority period.
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Crew Albert W.
Daggett Kenneth E.
Mussler James M.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Safourek Benedict V.
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