Protocol for communication of a data packet

Abstract

A system, apparatus, and method for fault-tolerant communication of data embodied in a packet. The communication includes transmission of a starting sequence signal, the starting sequence signal including a first character string followed by a second character string. Transmitting the packet of information after the starting sequence signal has been transmitted, and transmitting an ending sequence signal after the packet has been transmitted, the ending sequence signal including a third character string followed by a fourth character string. The present invention also includes receiving the starting sequence signal transmitted from the transmitting means, and comparing the first and second character strings for the starting sequence signal to first and second pre-determined character strings. A buffer is reset so that it may receive the packet if the first and second character strings match the first and second pre-determined character strings, respectively. Once the buffer is reset, the ending sequence signal is received and the third and fourth character strings of the ending sequence signal are compared to third and fourth pre-determined character strings. If the third and fourth character strings match the third and fourth pre-determined character strings, respectively, the received packet is processed. If the third and fourth character strings do not match the third and fourth pre-determined character strings, the packet is disregarded.