Multiaccess carrier sensing network communication protocol with priority messages

An improved network for communication of message packets. The network of the present invention implements an improved collision avoidance, detection and backoff system for communication on a media between nodes. The apparatus calculates a time period P after detecting the media is idle using a formula F which is a function of a pseudo-random delay factor T. If the media remains idle during the time period P, the device may transmit a message. The apparatus further has the ability to assign messages as being either priority or non-priority messages. Priority messages may be transmitted during priority message slots preassigned to transmitting nodes. Non-priority message contend for the media during a period of time following the period set for transmission of priority messages.