Adaptive packet training

An apparatus for packet training between the nodes, comprising:

• means for starting a timer to expire at a predetermined maximum time to wait;
• means counting the number of packets accumulated at the node;
• and
• means for dynamically adjusting the number of packets transmitted from the node in a train based on the number of packets accumulated at the node, an adjustable optimum train length, and the timer, wherein the dynamic adjusting means further comprises means, when the timer expires, for transmitting the accumulated packets in the train and setting the optimum train length to be the greater of the number of packets accumulated in the train and a minimum number of packets per train, wherein the minimum number of packets per train is a predetermined constant.

A program product for use in a computer system, the computer program product being adapted for packet training between nodes, the computer program product comprising:

• a recording medium;
• means, recorded on the recording medium, for starting a timer to expire at a predetermined maximum time to wait;
• means, recorded on the recording medium, for counting the number of packets accumulated at the node;
• and
• means, recorded on the recording medium, for dynamically adjusting the number of packets transmitted from the node in a train based on the number of packets accumulated at the node, an adjustable optimum train length, and the timers, wherein the dynamic adjusting means further comprises means, when the timer expires, for transmitting the accumulated packets in the train and setting the optimum train length to be the greater of the number of packets accumulated in the train and a minimum number of packets per train, wherein the minimum number of packets per train is a predetermined constant.