Traffic scheduler for multiple access communication channels

A packet communication system comprises a communication medium (105, 106) with two or more stations (101-109), each capable of transmitting and receiving packets of information. The system also has channel access means for providing sequential communication between stations; measuring means (307) at each station for measuring the rate of flow of traffic on the communication medium; and control means (310), responsive to this measurement, for controlling the rate at which packets are admitted to the medium.