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Abstract

A method for assigning optimal packet lengths in a variable rate communication system capable of data transmission at one of a plurality of data rates. The packet lengths for the data rates are selected such that the maximum throughput rate is achieved while conforming to a fairness criteria. The fairness criteria can be achieved by restricting the packet length assigned to each data rate to a range of value, or L.sub.i.sup.min .ltoreq.L.sub.i .ltoreq.L.sub.i.sup.max. The packet lengths for all data rates are first initialized to the maximum packet lengths for those data rates. Then, for each data rate, a determination is made whether another packet length assignment would result in improved throughput rate. If the answer is yes, the packet length for this data rate is reassigned and the throughput rate with the updated packet length assignments is recomputed. The process is repeated for each data rate until all data rates have been considered. The throughput rate can be calculated using a probabilistic model or a deterministic model.

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