Methods and apparatus for providing quality-of-service guarantees in computer networks

A device adapter to regulate traffic in a network, the network including devices to generate data said device adapter comprising:

• a device interface to couple the device adapter with one of the devices and to receive data generated by the device;
• a network interface to transmit data to the network;
• and
• a processor coupled with said device interface and said network interface to receive data from said device interface and to transmit data to the network interface;
• said device adapter configurable to transmit the data to the network according to a time frame, said time frame including a plurality of time phases,
• said device adapter capable of having one of said time phases being uniquely assigned thereto;
• the plurality of time phases including a free-access phase during which the device adapter is able to contend for access to the network to transmit data received at the device interface;
• and
• said processor of said device adapter to transmit data received at said device interface during said assigned time phase and during said free access phase.

A method, comprising:

• defining a common time reference for a plurality of device adapters, said common time reference including a time frame having a plurality of time phases, each of said device adapters capable of being uniquely assigned to at least one of said time phases, said time phases including a free-access phase;
• allowing a specified device adapter to transmit packets during time phase uniquely assigned to the specified device adapter and during said free-access phase;
• designating one of said device adapters as a master timing device;
• and
• synchronizing the remaining device adapters with the designated master timing device.