Scalable synchronous packet transmit scheduler

Abstract

A baseband controller system creates and maintains a schedule of synchronized events and reviews the schedule as a part of determining whether to initiate a transmission of a non-synchronous event (one that is not time sensitive, for example, e-mail). One aspect of the present invention is to create a system and method that avoids a possibility of collision between synchronized and non-synchronized communication events. A synchronized event is a scheduled transmission of time sensitive data such as what is often known as continuous bit rate data. Examples include video and voice wherein a collision (inability to transmit the continuous bit rate data) may result in degradation of signal quality at the receiving end. The inventive system and method evaluate the schedule of synchronized events in relation to the present time and determine whether a non-synchronized event may be transmitted without the likelihood of a collision. Making the determination that such a transmission may occur includes evaluating future time periods to see if a synchronized event is scheduled during a time period in which the non-synchronized event would continue to be transmitted for those non-synchronized events that span two or more defined time periods in length.