Multiplex communications – Communication over free space – Having a plurality of contiguous regions served by...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-17
2001-02-06
Jung, Min (Department: 2739)
Multiplex communications
Communication over free space
Having a plurality of contiguous regions served by...
C370S401000, C370S466000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185197
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to message transmission over a control bus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention finds particular, but not exclusive application to control message transmission over a bus between controller in a central station of a telecommunications network and network elements in the central station.
The environment in which the invention finds particular application is a real-time environment where reliable and rapid message communication is essential. It is desirable to reduce the bandwidth needed for the message transfer operations, with a minimum of time required for communication overheads, such as bus contention issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a communications protocol interface for a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising a network controller, a central station controlled by the network controller in accordance with a first message protocol and a plurality of subscriber stations in wireless communication with the central station, control messages being transmitted between the central station and the subscriber stations in accordance with a second message protocol, wherein the communications protocol interface is arranged at the central station and is responsive to a control message received from the network controller in accordance with the first message protocol to transmit the control message in accordance with the second message protocol, and is responsive to a control message received in accordance with the second message protocol to transmit the control message to the network controller in accordance with the first message protocol.
The use of a first control message protocol for control message transmission between the network controller and central station and a second control message protocol for control message transmission between the central station and the subscriber stations enables each message protocol to be optimised for the bandwidth and transmission media available. A multi-level protocol is preferably employed to facilitate protocol management.
Preferably, the first message protocol is a balanced protocol with the communications protocol converter or the network controller able to initiate an exchange of information. An RS232 interface protocol is preferably employed for communicating with the network controller.
Preferably also, the second message protocol is a master-slave protocol with the communications protocol interface acting as master.
Preferably, also, the communications protocol interface comprises a central station bus interface for communicating with at least one network element in the central station in accordance with the second message protocol.
Preferably the communications protocol interface is arranged to communicate with the subscriber terminals via the at least one network element in the central station in accordance with the second message protocol.
The communications protocol interface preferably comprises an interface processor (e.g., a microprocessor) for converting between the first and second control message protocols.
More preferably, the communications protocol interface comprises a second interface processor (e.g., a microcontroller), the first interface processor interfacing with the first message protocol, and the second processor interfacing with the second message protocol.
Preferably, the communications protocol interface comprises a shelf controller on a modem shelf in the central station.
The invention also provides a central station comprising a communications protocol interface as described above.
At least one network element (e.g, a modem card or a tributary card or an analogue card for a modem shelf) in the central station preferably communicates with the communications protocol interface in accordance with the second message protocol.
The central station preferably comprises an internal bus interconnecting the communications protocol interface and the network elements, wherein the communications protocol interface operates as a busmaster on the bus and each of the network elements operate as a slave on the bus.
The invention further provides a telecommunications network comprising a network controller, a central station as described above, the central station being controlled by the network controller in accordance with a first message protocol, and a plurality of subscriber stations in wireless communication with the central station, control messages being transmitted between the central station and the subscriber stations in accordance with a second message protocol.
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Liba Svobodova, et al., “Heterogeneity and OSI”, IEEE, Jan. 1990, vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 67-79.
Cheung Yeung Joemanne Chi
Cooper Guy A.
Lysejko Martin
Thompson Jonathan A.
Airspan Networks Inc.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Jung Min
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