Universal Data Systems, Inc.

Fred C Killmeyer

Dean Y Hodge

Robert E Ray, Jr

Terry Herbster

Wei-Tai Chou

A data communications device (101, 119) may be controlled from a centrally-located network management system controller (109) located some distance from the device. The data communications device is coupled to the network management system controller by a local channel (155, 157). The device includes a link adapter (133, 143) that communicates with the controller by a protocol that allows the device to exchange messages with the controller. As many as 512 devices may be coupled to the same local channel.

Data communications device with resident link adapter

A flow control method (200) is suitable for use with a synchronous modem (101). The modem clocks data signals (107) from the terminal under control of a clock signal (109) supplied by the modem. The clock signal operates at a clock rate. The modem stores the data signals in a buffer (111), and thereupon transmits the data signals to a channel, the channel operating at a channel rate. When the quantity of data signals stored in the buffer exceeds a maximum threshold, the modem removes the clock signal from the terminal, thereby interrupting the flow of data signals from the terminal. When the quantity of data signals stored in the buffer is less than a minimum threshold, the modem again applies the clock signal to the terminal, thereby restoring the flow of data signals from the terminal.

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Huntsville, AL, United States of America

Fred C Killmeyer