Madge Networks Limited

Madge Network Limited

Mark Kenneth Loney

David A Pearce

An end station port (2-6) for connection to a token passing communication system which connects a number of end station ports and in which the communications protocol under which the system operates permits more than one data frame to be transmitted by an end station within a predetermined token holding time comprises a transmit store/frame assembly unit (19) for preparing a data frame, having a length not exceeding a predetermined maximum size, for transmission; and control logic (20) for controlling the passage of data to and from the end station port for transmission on to and receipt from the communication system in use. The control logic (20) transmits a frame prepared by the frame assembly unit (19) when the token is held by the end station port. The control logic (20) includes a monitor (21) for determining whether, following transmission of a current frame, there is sufficient time remaining to transmit another frame of the predetermined maximum size before the predetermined token holding time has expired.

End station port

A communication system comprises a signal carrying medium (8) coupled to a series of end station ports (2-5). The end station ports (2-5) enable respective end stations (21) to transmit signals onto and receive signals from the medium (8). A controller (7) is provided to control the connection of the end stations (21) to the medium (8) via the ports (2-5). Monitors (9-12) are connected to the controller (7) to monitor characteristics of signals generated by the end stations (21) coupled to the ports. The monitors (9-12) are connected in parallel to the medium (8) and supply information relating to the monitored signals to the controller (7) in use. This system allows faulty end stations to be identified and removed from the system.

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Herts, United Kingdom

Mark Kenneth Loney