Importance

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Abstract

A real-time data stream is transmitted in data packets from a data source in accordance with a predetermined protocol over a shared network. Data packets of said real-time data stream are received at a data destination connected to the local area network. The data destination then reconstitutes the real-time data stream using information included in the data packets in accordance with the predetermined protocol. More particularly, a plurality of data frames are transmitted from the data source, each including at least one data packet. Each data packet includes a sequence number S identifying the data packet as the Sth data packet transmitted in the data stream and a frame number N identifying the data packet as belonging to an Nth frame transmitted in the data stream. Data packets that are the first data packets in respective frames to which they belong and data packets that are the last data packets in respective frames to which they belong include flags identifying them as such. At least some of the data packets are received at the data destination and, using sequence numbers, frame numbers, and the flags in the data packets, complete data frames received at the data destination are identified. Data frames that are timely received, as judged in relation to received data packets belonging to other frames, are forwarded to a higher-level process. Packets not belonging to complete data frames timely received are discarded. In this manner, the isochronous nature of the real-time data stream is maintained.

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First Claim