Method and apparatus for tunneling packets in a packet data system

In a network utilizing a shared packet pipe to transport a plurality of types of packets each having a different priority, a method for appending multiple packets in a shared packet pipe, the method comprising the steps of:

• flagging a packet header of packet having a low priority to identify pending packets to allow for transmission of packets having a high priority;
• prematurely ending the transmission of a packet having the low priority;
• placing the remainder of the packet having the low priority in a storage device;
• transmitting a packet having the high priority;
• and
• transmitting the remainder of the packet having the low priority once the packet having the high priority is finished transmitting, wherein the step of flagging a packet header further comprises the steps of identifying the packet of a low priority and identifying a beginning of the packet of a high priority and, wherein the step of identifying the packets of a low priority further comprises the step of assuming the priority of the packet based on results from the step of checking the CRC on the packet having the low priority.

In a network designed to transport a plurality of types of packets each having a different priority, an apparatus for appending multiple packet types to effect predictable transmission in a shared packet pipe, the apparatus comprising:

• a shared packet pipe;
• a signal transmission means communicatively coupled to the shared packet pipe,
• a controller connected to the shared packet pipe;
• and
• a signal receiving means connected to a shared packet pipe, wherein the packet prioritization and transmission algorithm is stored in the controller and is used by the controller to regulate the transmission of packets through the standard packet pipe,
• wherein the controller is programmed to insert a packet flag at a place in which the packet is to be divided after prematurely ending the transmission of a packet having a low priority, wherein inserting the packet flag further comprises determining the priority of an incoming packet, and wherein determining the priority of an incoming packet further comprises checking a CRC on the packet having a low priority.