Real-time communication in multi-hop networks

A scheme is developed for providing predictable interprocess communication in real-time systems with (partially connected) point-to-point interconnection networks, which provides guarantees on the maximum delivery time for messages. This scheme is based on the concept of a real-time channel, a unidirectional connection between source and destination. A real-time channel has parameters which describe the performance requirements of the source-destination communication, e.g., from a sensor station to a control site. Methods to compute guarantees for the delivery time of messages belonging to real-time channels are examined. Problems associated with allocating buffers for these messages are addressed, and a scheme which preserves delivery time guarantees is developed.< >