Distributed variable bandwidth switch for voice, data, and image communications
US4587651A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1983 |
| Grant date | May 6, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2213/13332
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A variable bandwidth branch exchange system is disclosed for interfacing a network ring to a plurality of peripheral loops, each of the peripheral loops being connected to one or more local stations and to a node on the network ring. Time bit slots on the network ring signal stream are assigned, on a dynamic basis, for communication between local stations. The network ring signal stream is diverted to the peripheral loop by the node when the bit slots assigned to the local station connected to that loop become accessible at the node, thereby placing the peripheral loop in the network ring signal stream. Bit slot bandwidth is variable in accordance with the requirements of a particular local station. Voice, data, and image communications are supported. The modular nature of the system permits the implementation of multiple rings for wide area networking.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.