Importance

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Abstract

A method is provided for fairly allocating bandwidth to a plurality of devices connected to a communication link implemented as a plurality of point-to-point links. The point-to-point links interconnect the devices in a daisy chain fashion. Each device is configured to transmit locally generated packets and to forward packets received from downstream devices onto one of the point-to-point links. The rate at which each device transmits local packets relative to forwarding received packets is referred to as the device's insertion rate. A fair bandwidth allocation algorithm is implemented in each (upstream) device to determine the highest packet issue rate of the devices which are downstream of that (upstream) device. The packet issue rate of a downstream device is the number of local packets associated with the downstream device that are received at the upstream device relative to the total number of packets received at the upstream device. By monitoring the total flow of packets received at the upstream device, the highest packet issue rate of the respective packet issue rates of the downstream devices may be determined. Each upstream device then matches its insertion rate to the highest packet issue rate of its downstream devices. The determination of the highest packet issue rate may be performed dynamically such that the insertion rate of the upstream device can adapt to changes in communication traffic patterns. Further, the fair bandwidth allocation algorithm may include a priority algorithm to arbitrate between local and received packets transmitted at the insertion rate.

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First Claim