Variable speed local area network
US4884266A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 1988 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/24
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A local area network is disclosed including apparatus and methods for transmitting data between a plurality of data processing resources (agents) coupled to a cable. An agent desiring to send data to a receiving agent transmits a request to send (RTS) data packet which includes a control character requesting to either high or low speed data communication. Utilizing the teachings of the present invention, absent other predefined conditions a transmitting agent capable of high speed communication requests a high speed data exchange with the receiving agent. The RTS data packet itself is transmitted at low speed. Upon receiving the RTS packet, the receiving agent must transmit a clear to send (CTS) packet to the transmitting agent within a predetermined time after the receipt of the RTS packet. The CTS packet also includes a control character which either confirms that the data exchange will take place at high speed, or alternatively, a control character which requires a transmitting agent to use the low speed data rate. The transmitting agent, upon receipt of the CTS packet, generates and transmits a data packet to the receiving agent at either a high speed or low speed, depending up…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.