System and method for allocating a shared resource among competing devices
US5491694A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/5665
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method for establishing "virtual connections" through a packet switched data communications network, the network including a plurality of end systems and switches connected by links. Each end system has a unique physical layer address and each switch has a connection database of valid connections between different ports on the switch and a switching mechanism for establishing temporary connections. Each switch is registered with a connection server such that, prior to transmission of a connectionsless datagram from a first end system to a second end system, a path of valid remains as a connectionless datagram. In other aspects, an improved method is provided for allocating bandwidth among competing devices requesting access to a bandwidth limited shared resource (e.g., the previously defined switch), and to a search method for making a best path determination through the network based on a number of constraints.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.