An integrated communications link having dynamically allocatable bandwidth and a protocol for transmission of allocation information over the link

摘要

An integrated communications link (16) in a communications network is provided with apparatus which allows dynamic allocatability of bandwidth among a plurality of channels. At least three different types of information can be carried on these channels, and the bandwidth of each channel is dynamically adjustable so that it can be changed according to a determinable scheme. The link also sends error control information with a message that informs the receiver how the bandwidth is to be allocated, this error control information providing an extremely high level of assurance that the receiver of the information will know how the received information is to be allocated.