Transfer of messages in a multiplexed system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting variable length messages on a network in fixed length slots including the provision of a source identifier field in the header of each slot, the source identifier field including a code which is uniquely associated with the message to be transmitted. The fixed length slots are then transmitted on the network and reassembly of the slots by a reassembly machine is controlled in accordance with the identifier codes in the slot.

Description

[0001]This is a reissue divisional (and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. Application Ser. No. 08 / 122,934, filed Sep. 17, 1993, which is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,166(now U.S. Pat. No. RE37,494, issued Jan. 1, 2002) claiming the priority date of U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,166. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference into) the disclosure of this application.<?insert-end id="INS-S-00001" ?>[0002]This application claims (under 35 USC §119) the benefit of patent application serial number P10884, filed in Australia on Mar. 17, 1987.<?insert-end id="INS-S-00002" ?>[0003]Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,166 which issued on Sep. 17, 1991.[0004]These include:[0005]1. Ser. No. 08 / 122,934, filed Sep. 17, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. RE37,494, reissued on Jan. 1, 2002; [0006]2. Ser. No. 09 / 919,725, filed on Jul. 31, 2001, which is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting variable length messages on a network in fixed length slots. The method includes segmenting the message into fixed length slots with a unique source identifier code in the header, transmitting the slots on the network, and controlling reassembly of slots at the destination based on the source identifier codes. The technical effect is efficient and reliable transmission of variable length messages on a network."

Problems solved by technology

However, these are limited either in the efficiency of the transport in the switch or in the performance of the reassembly function.

The efficiency of the transport is typically limited by the overheads that are carried on each slot.

The problem with the slot overhead is compounded by addressing requirements.

This approach to segmentation is clearly inefficient with small (less than 32 bytes) slot sizes.

The limitation with this approach is that the number of slots between consecutive segments of the message is limited by the maximum value of the count field.

Also, in the case of a multiple access switch, the source cannot transmit more than one message at a time.

This reduces the efficiency of transfer when connection oriented reassembly schemes are used.

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