Method and apparatus for governing information transfer using an efficient transport protocol
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to data communication generally and more particularly to transport protocols. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There exists a great deal of literature dealing with data communication in general and data networks in particular. The following publications represent the most relevant literature presently available to the inventor: 
     NETBLT: &#34;A High Throughput Transport Protocol&#34;, by David D. Clark et al, 1988 ACM 089791-245-4; 
     Computer Networks, 2nd Edition, by Andrew S. Tannenbaum, Prentice-Hall International, 1989, pp 309-320, 370-436 and 535-546; 
     &#34;Goodness Definition and Goodness Measure for High Speed Transport Protocols for Lightweight Networking Applications&#34;, by Sebuktekin, Isil, PhD Thesis Lehigh University, May, 1992; 
     &#34;Design and Analysis of Rate-based Transport Layer Flow Control Protocol&#34;, by Chang, Yee-Hsiang, PhD Thesis, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1990; 
     &#34;A Survey of Light-Weight Transport Protocols for HighSpeed Networks&#34;, by Willibald A. Doeringer et al IEEE Transactions on Communications, Vol. 38, No. 11, November, 1990; 
     &#34;Congestion Avoidance and Control&#34;, by Van Jacobson, Proc. ACM SIGCOMM 88, pp 314-329, Stanford, Calif., August, 1988; 
     &#34;Making Transport Protocols Fast&#34;, by Alfred C. Weaver, Proceedings of 16th Conference on Local Computer Networks, Pages 295-300, IEEE Computer Society Press, Los Alamitos, Calif. 1991; 
     &#34;Comparison of Error Control Protocols for High Band-width-Delay Product Networks&#34;, by David C. Feldmeier et al, Protocols for High Speed Networks II, Marjory J. Johnson, Editor, Elsevier Science Publishers, B. V. (North Holland), 1991; and 
     &#34;Dynamical Behavior of Rate-Based Flow Control Mechanisms&#34; by Jean-Chrysostome Bolot et al, Computer Communication Review, Vol 20, No. 2, pp 35-49, April, 1990. 
     The above referenced article by Bolot et al discusses a phenomenon of state of the art rate-based flow control mechanisms, namely, the occurrence of rate oscillations which result in disadvantageous alternating occurrences of overutilization and under-utilization of the path, as illustrated, e.g., in FIGS. 2, 3(a), 3(b), 4(a) and 4(b) of the Bolot et al article. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide an improved data network. 
     There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver along a network path interconnecting the transmitter and receiver, without rate oscillation. This apparatus, which is comprised of a rate controller associated with the transmitter and a rate monitor associated with the receiver, is operative according to a rate based transport protocol having apparatus for determining the rate of information transmission of the transmitter without rate oscillation. The rate based transport protocol operates to set the rate of information transmission to be the rate that both the network path and the receiver actually sustain when the transmitter is operated without intentionally introducing delays. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver along a network path interconnecting the transmitter and receiver. This apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol and includes apparatus for determining the information transmission rate of the transmitter based at least in part on transmission of a number of packets transmitted by a transmitter without feedback from a receiver, and measuring the actual rate at which the packets are transmitted. The rate based transport protocol operates to set the rate of information transmission to be the rate that both the network path and the receiver actually sustain when the transmitter is operated without intentionally introducing delays. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver along a network path interconnecting the transmitter and receiver. This apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol and includes apparatus for determining an information transmission rate by measuring the actual rate of receipt at a receiver. The rate based transport protocol operates to set the rate of information transmission to be the rate that both the network path and the receiver actually sustain when the transmitter is operated without intentionally introducing delays. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative to transmit a first echo request packet and to cause a plurality of packets to be transmitted by a transmitter without regard to whether an echo return responsive to the echo request packet is received from a receiver. Thereafter, if an echo return has not been received, subsequent to the first echo request packet, there will be no further transmission to transmit at least another echo request and any further data packets until receipt of an echo return. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer among the plurality of data utilization elements, which apparatus is operative to govern the rate of data transmission by a transmitting data utilization element by non-continuously causing the rate of data transmission to increase such that the rate at which the data is received by a receiving data utilization element, also increases. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative to govern information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver and includes apparatus operative to transmit a first echo request packet and to cause a first plurality of packets to be transmitted by a transmitter without regard to whether an echo return responsive to the echo request packet is received from a receiver; and thereafter, if an echo return has not been received, subsequent to the first echo request packet, not to transmit any further data packets until receipt of an echo return. The apparatus is also responsive to the elapsed time between transmission of an echo request packet and receipt of an echo return corresponding thereto for increasing the rate of transmission by the transmitter above the rate at which the receiver receives the data. Furthermore, the apparatus compares the rate at which the receiver receives transmissions in response to an increased rate of transmission of the transmitter with the rate at which the receiver received transmissions prior to increasing the rate of transmission. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver along a network path interconnecting the transmitter and receiver. This apparatus is operative to govern the data transmission rate of a transmitter and includes apparatus for sensing the relationship between the duration of transmission of a group of data packets by the transmitter and the duration of receipt of the group of data packets by a receiver. The apparatus is operative to non-continuously respond to the time durations and their relationship for initially setting a data transmission rate and later for increasing the data transmission rate above the current rate of reception of the receiver. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver and including apparatus for governing a flow of data in accordance with a protocol. This protocol contains separate error control and flow control mechanisms, including the transmission of echo request packets for queue control purposes. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver connected together by a network. This apparatus is operative to cause transmission of a selected number of data packets in a generally unarrested sequence and wherein the number of packets in the sequence is selected based at least in part on the round trip delay in the network. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements and defining at least one network path between a transmitter and receiver; and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver, without rate oscillation. This apparatus which is comprised of a rate controller associated with the transmitter and a rate monitor associated with the receiver, operative according to a rate based transport protocol having apparatus for determining the rate of information transmission of the transmitter without rate oscillation. The rate based transport protocol operates to set the rate of information transmission of the transmitter without rate oscillation. The rate based transport protocol operates to set the rate of information transmission to be the rate that both the network path and the receiver actually sustain when the transmitter is operated without intentionally introducing delays. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol having apparatus for determining the information transmission rate of the transmitter based at least in part on transmission of a number of packets transmitted by a transmitter without feedback from a receiver, and measuring the actual rate at which the packets are transmitted. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol having apparatus for determining an information transmission rate by measuring the actual rate of receipt at a receiver. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative to transmit a first echo request packet and to cause a plurality of packets to be transmitted by a transmitter without regard to whether an echo return responsive to the echo request packet is received from a receiver. Thereafter, if an echo return has not been received, subsequent to the first echo request packet, there will be no further transmission to transmit at least another echo request and any further data packets until receipt of an echo return. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, a sensor for sensing the rate at which a receiver receives data packets, and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative to govern the rate of data transmission by a transmitter by non-continuously causing the rate of data transmission to increase such that the rate at which the data is received by a receiver, also increases. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver along a network path interconnecting the transmitter and the receiver. The apparatus is comprised of a rate controller associated with the transmitter and operates to govern the rate of data transmission by the transmitter for initially setting data transmission rate and later for non-continuously causing the rate of data transmission to increase. The apparatus also includes apparatus responsive to the duration of time for data transmission by the transmitter and the duration of time to receive such data by the receiver and receipt of such data by the receiving data utilization element for non-continuously increasing the rate of transmission by the transmitter above the rate at which the receiver receives the data. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, a sensor for sensing the rate at which a receiver receives data packets, and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative to govern the rate of data transmission by a transmitter, and includes apparatus operative to transmit a first echo request packet and to cause a plurality of packets to be transmitted by a transmitter without regard to whether an echo return responsive to the echo request packet is received from a receiver. Thereafter, if an echo return has not been received, subsequent to the first echo request packet, there will be no further transmission to transmit at least another echo request and any further data packets until receipt of an echo return. The apparatus is also responsive to the elapsed time between transmission of an echo request packet and receipt of an echo return corresponding thereto for increasing the rate of transmission by the transmitter above the rate at which the receiver receives data. Furthermore, the apparatus is responsive to the sensor for comparing the rate at which the receiver receives transmissions in response to an increased rate of transmission of the transmitter with the rate at which the receiver received transmissions prior to increasing the rate of transmission. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data network also includes apparatus responsive to a sensed increased rate of receiving transmissions which are transmitted at an increased rate, for causing the transmitter to increase the rate of data packet transmission. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, a sensor for sensing a data receiving rate at which a receiver receives data packets, and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative to govern the data transmission rate of a transmitter and includes apparatus for sensing the time duration of transmission of data packets by the transmitter and receipt of such data packets by the receiver. The apparatus is responsive to the time durations for initially setting data transmission rates and later for non-continuously increasing the data transmission rate above the current rate of reception of the receiver. The apparatus is also responsive to the sensor for comparing the rate at which the receiver receives transmissions in response to an increased rate of transmission of the transmitter with the rate at which the receiver received transmissions prior to increasing the rate of transmission; and providing an output indication if the rate of reception increased as the result of the increased rate of transmission. The apparatus is responsive to the output indication, by causing the transmitter to increase the rate of data packet transmission. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. This apparatus is operative to cause transmission of a selected number of data packets in a generally unarrested sequence according to a rate based transport protocol and wherein the number of packets in the sequence is selected based at least in part on the round trip delay in the network. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer among a plurality of data utilization elements, which apparatus is operative to cause transmission of a selected number of data packets in an unarrested sequence according to a rate based transport protocol and wherein the number of packets in the sequence is selected based at least in part on the round trip delay in the network. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generally unarrested sequence includes a sequence of packets unarrested by the lack of echo return packets. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generally unarrested sequence is included in a chunk of packets whose transmission is uninterrupted by error correction activity. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of packets in the chunk is based on the bandwidth of the network. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for governing information also includes a sensor for sensing the number of packets which are transmitted by a transmitter prior to receipt of a queue clear indication from a receiver. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network comprising a plurality of data utilization elements, including at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, and interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements and defining at least one network path between a transmitter and a receiver. This method includes the steps for operating the transmitter without intentionally introducing delays, sensing the rate of information transfer actually sustained by both the network path and the receiver while the transmitter is operating without intentionally introducing delays and setting the rate of information transmission at the rate of information transfer actually sustained by both the network path and the receiver while the transmitter is operating without intentionally introducing delays. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements and interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements. This method includes steps for governing an information transfer rate between the transmitter and the receiver according to a rate based transport port protocol. It also includes steps for determining the rate of information transmission by the transmitter, based at least in part on selecting the number of packets that are transmitted by a transmitter without feedback from a receiver, and measuring the actual rate at which the packets are transmitted. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements and interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements. This method includes steps for governing an information transfer rate between a transmitter and a receiver according to a rate based transport protocol, wherein the step of governing includes the step of determining an information transmission rate of the transmitter measuring the actual rate of receipt at the receiver. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements and interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements. This method includes steps for governing an information transfer rate between a transmitter and a receiver, including the steps of transmitting a first echo request packet, causing a plurality of packets to be transmitted by a transmitter without regard to whether an echo return responsive to the echo request packet is received from a receiver; and thereafter, if an echo return has not been received, subsequent to the first echo request packet, there will be no further transmission to transmit at least another echo request and any further data packets until receipt of an echo return. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements and a sensor for sensing the rate at which the receiver receives data packets. The method includes the step of governing an information transfer rate between a transmitter and a receiver by non-continuously causing the rate of data transmission to increase such that the rate at which the data is received by the receiver, also increases. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of governing information transfer includes non-continuously increasing the rate of transmission by the transmitter above the rate at which the receiver currently receives the data, responsive to the relationship between the duration of transmission of data by the transmitter and the time duration of receipt of such data by the receiver. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements and a sensor for sensing the rate at which a data utilization element receives data packets. This method includes the step for governing an information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. Specifically, it includes the steps of governing the rate of data transmission by a transmitter, including transmitting a first echo request packet and a plurality of packets without regard to whether an echo return responsive to the echo request packet is received from a receiver. Thereafter, if an echo return has not been received, subsequent to the first echo request packet, transmission of any further data packets will be detained until receipt of an echo return. Governing the rate of data transmission by the transmitter also involves increasing the rate of transmission by the transmitter above the rate at which the receiver receives the data, responsive to the elapsed time between transmission of an echo request packet and receipt of an echo return corresponding thereto. Furthermore, it entails comparing the rate at which the receiver receives transmissions in response to an increased rate of transmission of the transmitter with the rate at which the receiver received transmissions prior to increasing the rate of transmission. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the step of causing the transmitter to increase the rate of data packet transmission, responsive to a sensed increased rate of receiving transmissions which are transmitted at an increased rate. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements and a sensor for sensing the rate at which a receiver receives data packets. This method includes steps for governing an information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver. It also includes the steps of governing the data transmission rate of a transmitter, including sensing the relationship of the duration of transmission of data packets by the transmitter and the time duration of receipt of such data packets by the receiver. In addition, the steps of governing the data transmission rate are responsive to the relationship between the time durations, non-continuously increasing the data transmission rate above the current rate of reception of the receiver and responsive to the sensor, by comparing the rate at which the receiver receives transmissions in response to an increased rate of transmission of the transmitter with the rate at which the receiver received transmissions prior to increasing the rate of transmission. An output indication is provided if the rate of reception increased as a result of the increased rate of transmission, and responsive to the output indication, causing the transmitter to increase the rate of data packet transmission. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements and interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements. The method includes the step of governing an information transfer rate between the transmitter and the receiver connected together by the network, including causing transmission of a selected number of data packets in a generally unarrested sequence according to a rate based transport protocol. The number of packets in the sequence is selected based at least in part on the round trip delay in the network. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements and interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements. The method includes the step of governing an information transfer among the plurality of data utilization elements including causing the transmission of a first chunk of data packets from a transmitter to a receiver without interrupting transmission due to missing, corrupted or duplicate packets or packets received out of order. It also involves the transmission of a second multiplicity of data packets from the transmitter to the receiver, without first requesting retransmission of packets from the first multiplicity of data packets and without interrupting transmission due to missing, corrupted or duplicate packets or packets received out of order in the second multiplicity of data packets. A request for retransmission of packets from the first multiplicity of data packets occurs only after at least part of the transmission of the second multiplicity of data packets. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of packets that are selected are selected, based at least in part, on the round trip delay in the network. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method useful with a network including a plurality of data utilization elements and interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements. The method includes the step of governing an information transfer rate between a transmitter and a receiver, including the step of causing transmission of a selected number of data packets in an unarrested sequence according to a rate based transport protocol and wherein the number of packets in the sequence is selected based at least in part on the round trip delay in the network. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generally unarrested sequence includes a sequence of packets uninterrupted by the lack of echo request packets. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generally unarrested sequences include a chunk of packets, the transmission of which are uninterrupted by error correction activity. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of packets in the sequence are also selected based on the bandwidth of the network. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of governing information also includes sensing the number of packets which are transmitted following an echo request packet prior to receipt of a queue clear indication from a receiver. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for governing information transfer across a path including a transmitter, a receiver and an interconnecting network portion. The method includes steps for monitoring the instantaneous throughput of the path and upon detection of a non-instantaneous occurrence of the path being underutilized, determining a new rate of information transmission by the transmitter which increases path utilization without overloading the path. In addition, the method is comprised of steps for transmitting information at the new rate. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for governing information transfer across a path including a transmitter, a receiver and an interconnecting network portion. The method includes steps for transmitting information at a first rate, monitoring at the transmitter the instantaneous throughput of the path and upon detection of an occurrence of reduced end-to-end effective path throughput, ceasing information transmission for a first time period and subsequently resuming information transmission at the first rate. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of monitoring includes the steps of transmitting an echo request, and, without waiting for an echo return responsive to the echo request transmitting further information at least a predetermined amount of information. The step of ceasing is carried out if no echo return has been received responsive to the echo request during transmittal of the further information. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of monitoring includes the steps of transmitting an echo request, and transmitting further information without waiting for an echo return. The. step of ceasing is carried out if no echo return has been received responsive to the echo request during transmittal of the further information. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for governing information transfer includes an information transfer governing network interface card operative to govern information transfer between a plurality of data utilization elements. 
     Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information transfer governing network interface card is operative to determine a rate at which information is transferred between the plurality of data utilization elements. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information transfer governing network interface card is operative to change, at least once, the rate at which information is transferred among the plurality of data utilization elements. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer between a transmitter and a receiver along a network path interconnecting the transmitter and the receiver. Included in the apparatus is apparatus for governing a flow of data by transmitting echo request packets for queue control purposes, comprising apparatus for transmitting echo request packets, apparatus for receiving transmitted echo request packets and providing echo response packets, and queue control apparatus for sensing receipt of echo response packets and providing queue control responsive thereto. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission of the selected number of data packets is carried out according to a rate based transport protocol. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer across a path including a transmitter, a receiver and an interconnecting network portion. The apparatus includes an instantaneous path throughput monitoring unit and an information transfer rate determining apparatus operative, upon detection of a non-instantaneous occurrence of the path being underutilized along the path between the transmitter and the receiver as indicated by consecutive earlier than expected receipt of echo return responses along the path, to set a higher rate of information transfer which increases path utilization without overloading the path. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer across a path including a transmitter transmitting information at a first rate, a receiver and an interconnecting network portion. The apparatus includes apparatus for monitoring at the transmitter the instantaneous throughput of the path. The apparatus also comprised of an information transmission control apparatus operative, upon detection, at the transmitter with the aid of the receiver, of an occurrence of reduced end to end effective path throughput. The result is to cause information transmission to be ceased for a first time period and to subsequently be resumed at the first rate. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for monitoring includes apparatus for transmitting an echo request, and apparatus causing further information, including at least a predetermined amount of information, to be transmitted without waiting for an echo return. The information transmission control apparatus is operative to cease information transmission if no echo return has been received responsive to the echo request during transmittal of the further information. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for monitoring includes apparatus for transmitting an echo request, and apparatus for transmitting further information without waiting for an echo return. The information transmission control apparatus is operative to cease information transmission if no echo return has been received responsive to the echo request during transmittal of the further information. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information transmission control apparatus is operative to cause information transmission to be resumed after receipt of the echo return. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements and providing a path between the transmitter and the receiver, and apparatus for governing information transfer across the path. The apparatus includes an instantaneous path throughput monitoring unit, and an information transfer rate determining apparatus operative, upon detection of a non-instantaneous occurrence of the path being underutilized as indicated by consecutive earlier than expected receipt of echo responses along the path, to set a higher rate of information transmission by the transmitter which increases path utilization without overloading the path. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer across a path including a transmitter transmitting information at a first rate, a receiver and an interconnecting network portion. The apparatus includes apparatus for monitoring the instantaneous throughput of the path, and an information transmission control apparatus operative, upon detection at the transmitter with aid of the receiver of an occurrence of reduced end to end effective path throughput, to cause information transmission to be ceased for a first time period and to subsequently be resumed at the first rate. 
     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for monitoring includes apparatus for transmitting an echo request, and apparatus causing further information including at least a predetermined amount of information to be transmitted without waiting for an echo return, and wherein information transmission control apparatus is operative to cease information transmission if no echo return has been received responsive to the echo request during transmittal of further information. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for monitoring includes apparatus for transmitting an echo request, and apparatus for transmitting further information without waiting for an echo return. The information transmission control apparatus is operative to cease information transmission if no echo return has been received responsive to the echo request during transmittal of the further information. 
     Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information transmission control apparatus is operative to cause information transmission to be resumed after receipt of the echo return. 
     Preferably, the apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer among a plurality of data utilization elements, without rate oscillation, which apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for governing information transfer among a plurality of data utilization elements. This apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol and has apparatus for automatically determining the rate of information transfer among data utilization elements. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer among a plurality of data utilization elements, without rate oscillation. This apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data network including a plurality of data utilization elements, interconnection apparatus for interconnecting the plurality of data utilization elements, and apparatus for governing information transfer among a plurality of data utilization elements. This apparatus is operative according to a rate based transport protocol and has apparatus for automatically determining the rate of information transfer among data utilization elements. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method including the step of governing information transfer among a plurality of data utilization elements, without rate oscillation. The method is operative according to a rate based transport protocol. 
     There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method including the step of governing information transfer among a plurality of data utilization elements. This method is operative according to a rate based transport protocol, and includes the step of automatically determining the rate of information transfer among data utilization elements. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the generally uninterrupted sequence is a sequence of packets uninterrupted by echo request packets. In another embodiment of the invention, which may co-exist with the aforesaid embodiment of the invention, the generally uninterrupted sequence is a chunk of packets, uninterrupted by error correction activity. 
     Preferably the number of packets in the sequence are also selected also based on the bandwidth of the network. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustration of a data network environment in which the present invention is useful; 
     FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a network interface card constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a generalized flow chart illustrating the overall operation of the invention; 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B are generalized flow charts illustrating flow control operation of a transmitter and receiver respectively; 
     FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are simplified diagrams illustrating the data transfer mechanism employed in the operations illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B for three different operational situations; 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B are generalized flow charts illustrating rate determination operation of a transmitter and receiver respectively; 
     FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating the rate determination mechanism employed in the operations illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B; 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B are generalized flow charts illustrating packet number selection operation of a transmitter and receiver respectively; 
     FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram illustrating the packet number selection mechanism employed in the operations illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B; and 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B, taken together, are a simplified flowchart of a rate monitoring method which may be employed upon arrival of an echo return to identify noninstantaneous occurrences of network path being underutilized which may justify increasing the rate of information transmission. 
    
    
     LIST OF APPENDICES 
     Appendix A is a netlist and a parts list for a preferred embodiment of a network interface card; 
     Appendix B is a listing of software resident in the network interface card described with specificity in Appendix A; 
     Appendix C is a listing of software which is resident in the data utilization element in which the network interface card of Appendix A is located; and 
     Appendix D is a listing of software for a software-only embodiment of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms will be defined as follows: 
     &#34;echo request&#34; or &#34;echo request packet&#34;--a packet which, upon receipt thereof by a receiver, causes the receiver to send an echo return packet back to the same transmitter; 
     &#34;echo return&#34; or &#34;echo return packet&#34;--a packet sent from a receiver to a transmitter which is an indication that, at the time the echo return packet was sent, the receiver queue was clear of data packets received prior to the arrival of the echo request packet. 
     The echo request and echo return packets may have any suitable format and may be &#34;piggybacked&#34; with data which is irrelevant to the echo requesting and returning functions. For example, the protocol may be such that a certain number n of data packets received by a receiver results in an eventual echo return back to the transmitter, in which case the n&#39;th data packet comprises an echo request packet even though no echo request data is actually included in the n&#39;th data packet. 
     &#34;rate based transport protocol&#34;--a data transfer protocol which governs the rate at which a transmitter transmits data in order to achieve enhanced performance and avoid congestion. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a typical data network environment in which the present invention is useful. A plurality of data utilization elements 20, such as computers, computer terminals, facsimile machines, printing and pre-press apparatus, scanners, data storage devices, data storage and transmission devices and the like, are interconnected by means of a network 30. Network 30 may be any suitable type of network, such as a local area network, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, serial communication link, public telephone system or a satellite communication network. 
     The terms &#34;receiver&#34; and &#34;transmitter&#34;, as used hereinbelow, refer to a pair of data utilization elements 20 which are communicating via the network 30. The transmitter transmits data to the receiver, which receives the data; however, the receiver is typically capable of transmitting, and the transmitter is typically capable of receiving, control messages. 
     It is appreciated that an individual data utilization element 20 may function as a receiver to another data utilization element functioning as a transmitter and also as a transmitter to a third data utilization element functioning as a receiver. Furthermore, an individual data utilization element 20 may function as a receiver and/or as a transmitter to a plurality of data utilization elements 20 functioning as transmitters or receivers. Certain data utilization elements are capable of functioning only as a receiver or only as a transmitter, apart from transmission or receipt of control messages. For example, most conventional printer units are capable of functioning only as a receiver and most conventional scanning units are capable of functioning only as a transmitter. 
     Examples of various types of such networks are Token Ring Network, Arcnet, Ethernet, LocalTalk (AppleTalk), ISDN, FDDI and Fast Ethernet and combinations thereof. The network 30 typically comprises a plurality of routers 32. The data may be carried over public or private dedicated lines or a combination thereof. 
     The network 30 is typically characterized in that it has inherent constraints in terms of available bandwidth. It is also characterized by congestion and resulting delays between transmission and receipt which vary over time. Delays may be inherent in the distances across which transmission occurs and in the routers, bridges, repeaters and other network devices. Additional delays are produced by the operation of the data utilization elements 20. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which is a block diagram illustration of a network interface card constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and which is designed to reside within a data utilization element 20. Alternatively a network interface card may be provided for connection external to the data utilization element 20. 
     The network interface card comprises a plurality of electrical interfaces 40, 42 and 44, each arranged in association with a corresponding mechanical connector 46, 48 and 50. All of the electrical interfaces 40, 42 and 44 are interconnected with a conventional commercially available Ethernet controller 52 which communicates via an address bus and a data bus with the remaining elements of the card and via a host bus with the data utilization element. 
     It is to be noted that although the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 with reference to an Ethernet network, any other suitable type of network may be employed instead. 
     The network interface card also comprises a CPU 56 and a plurality of registers 58 which are employed in communication with the data utilization element. 
     A netlist and a parts list for a preferred embodiment of an Ethernet interface card are set forth in Appendix A. The Ethernet interface card of Appendix A interfaces via a NuBus to a Macintosh computer. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computers, Inc. A listing of software resident in the Ethernet interface card described with specificity in Appendix A is set forth in Appendix B. A listing of software which is resident in the data utilization element in which the Ethernet interface card of Appendix A is located is set forth in Appendix C. The embodiment of Appendices A, B and C is operative in conjunction with Macintosh computers, running Operating System 7, serving as receivers and transmitters. 
     According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the apparatus of the present invention, in either or both of the receiver and the transmitter, may be implemented entirely in software resident in the receiver and/or the transmitter, rather than being implemented in the network interface card of the receiver and/or transmitter. A listing of such software, which is particularly suitable for utilization in a Macintosh computer, running Operating System 7, is set forth in Appendix D. 
     A particular advantage of the first smart card-residing implementation of Appendices A, B and C, relative to the second data utilization element-residing implementation of Appendix D is that the following three entities operate independently, such that serial delays therebetween do not occur within chunks: 
     a. The CPU of the transmitter; 
     b. the CPU of the receiver; and 
     c. the transmitter and receiver cards. 
     It is appreciated that Appendices A, B, C and D are attached herewith merely to provide an extremely detailed disclosure of two preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not, however, intended to limit the invention. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which is a generalized flowchart illustrating an overall file transfer operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A unit of data transfer for error correction purposes is referred to as a chunk, i.e. a multiplicity of packets that is to be sent in one continuous uninterrupted sequence. The chunk is uninterrupted by error correction activity, and only echo request packets are transmitted and echo return packets are received during the course of transmission of the chunk. 
     Data transfer normally begins with data transfer rate determination (step 70) or with a decision not to employ rate determination. A preferred technique for data transfer rate determination is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7. 
     The first chunk is loaded from storage in the data utilization element to a buffer which normally is part of the main memory of the data utilization element. 
     The first chunk is transmitted along the network 30 (step 80). 
     A check is made (step 90) to determine whether any errors occurred in the transmission of the first chunk to the receiver. If no errors are detected, a check is made whether any chunks remain in the file to be transmitted. If any chunks remain, they are sequentially loaded and transmitted, as described hereinabove with reference to step 80. 
     Upon completion of the transmission of an entire file and in the absence of errors, the procedure is terminated. 
     If errors are detected in transmission of a chunk, a retransmission chunk containing only missing or corrupted packets is prepared and subsequently transmitted (step 100). A further error check is carried out and retransmission occurs until an error-free chunk transmission is realized. 
     Preferably, error checks are carried out only after completion of the transmission of a chunk and not during its transmission and the error check takes place only after at least a portion of a subsequent chunk is transmitted. 
     If omissions are detected, it is sometimes desirable to decrease the value of the parameter Z, which is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 8A. 
     Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the flow control operation of the invention. Preferred timeline diagrams for three different types of instances are provided in FIGS. 5A-5C. A transmitter initially sends an echo request packet which is a request for an echo return packet. The echo return packet, when received back at the transmitter, indicates that data transmitted prior to said echo request has been cleared from the receiver queue by the time the echo response was generated. 
     Transmission of the initial echo request packet is followed by transmission of a plurality of Y data packets regardless of whether or not an echo return packet has been received (step 160). In this case, 2Y is the total sum at the receiver and along the network of data packets which may accumulate for any given path and under any circumstances. 
     A preferred method for selecting Y is described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9. Preferably, Y is selected such that: 
     a. Y is selected to be large enough to prevent &#34;receiver starvation&#34; which might occur due to round trip delay of the echo. 
     b. On the other hand, Y is not too large, so that, most of the time, the accumulated queue does not cause overflow of the input buffers. 
     The Y data packets are transmitted with a predetermined time separation therebetween, termed hereinbelow &#34;the interpacket interval&#34;. The interpacket interval is preferably determined as described hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 6A, 6B and 7. 
     Alternatively, in a mode of operation wherein rate determined flow control is not provided, the time separation among each of the Y data packets is not predetermined and is determined by the transmitting data utilization element. 
     Upon completion of transmission of the Y data packets, a check (step 170) is made to determine whether an echo return packet in respect of the above-mentioned echo request packet has been received. If so, a further transmission of an echo request packet followed by Y data packets takes place and so on. 
     If the echo return has not been received by the completion of transmission of the Y data packets, further echo request packets are transmitted (step 180), such as a predetermined number R of echo request packets each separated by a predetermined time interval, such as 10 interpacket intervals, until an echo return packet in respect of either the initial echo request packet or the further echo request packets is received. Thereupon normal operation of the apparatus and transmission of data packets resumes. R may be any suitable integer such as 20. If no echo return is received, the connection is deemed to be lost (step 190). 
     The receiver is initially in an idle state (step 110) and is interrupted upon receipt of a packet (step 120). If (step 130) the received packet is an echo request packet, the receiver sends back an echo return packet to the transmitter of the echo request packet (step 140). If the received packet is not an echo request packet, the receiver stores the received packet in a prenumbered buffer (step 150). 
     FIG. 5A illustrates the behavior of the apparatus in a case in which no errors are encountered and the echo return packets are received before the end of the transmission of the Y data packets. 
     FIG. 5B illustrates behavior of the apparatus in a case in which data packet omissions and out of order receipt of data packets are encountered. As shown, no error correction procedure is initiated since the end of the chunk has not yet occurred. 
     FIG. 5C illustrates behavior of the apparatus in a case in which echo return omissions are encountered. An echo request which is not received, for example, due to transmission failure, is designated by an &#34;x&#34;. As shown, an echo return omission, unlike a data packet omission, does result in a corrective procedure in which an additional echo request is transmitted. 
     Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, illustrating a preferred method for rate determination. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate steps in the operation of a transmitter and a receiver respectively. As indicated in FIG. 6A, the transmitter transmits an initial packet (step 200) and measures the elapsed time from the end of transmission of the initial packet (step 210). A plurality of packets, comprising a predetermined number, n, of packets, such as 2-8 packets, is then transmitted as fast as possible, i.e., without intentionally introducing delays (step 220). The total elapsed time until completion of transmission of the last of the n packets is measured (step 230). This total elapsed time is termed hereinbelow &#34;the n-packet transmission duration&#34;. 
     The transmitter then remains in an idle state until it is interrupted by receipt of a data packet which contains information as to the measured duration between end of receipt of the initial packet, i.e., the packet sent before the plurality of n packets, and end of receipt of the last of the n packets, which time interval is termed herein &#34;the n-packet receipt duration&#34;. 
     The n-packet transmission duration and the n-packet receipt duration are compared (step 240). If the n-packet receipt duration is longer than the n-packet transmission duration, or the n-packet transmission duration is longer than a reference value which represents the n-packet transmission duration when the transmitter is not loaded by other activities that prevent it from dedicating all its resources to that activity, then the n-packet receipt duration is divided by n to compute a new interpacket interval for subsequent transmissions of data packets (step 250). 
     If the n-packet receipt duration is shorter or nearly equal to the n-packet transmission duration, then the interpacket interval is not set, but rather determined by the transmitting data utilization element, independently of the receiving data utilization element (step 246). 
     It is noted that the subroutine described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 6A is not limited to application at the beginning of the first chunk, but rather is applicable throughout the transmission of a file. 
     A particular feature of the method of FIG. 6A is that a new rate of information transmission is normally determined or computed which increases path utilization without overloading the path. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the receiver is in an idle state (step 260) until interrupted by receipt of the initial packet. A time measurement is initiated upon termination of this receipt (step 270), and the receiver returns to an idle state (step 280). The receiver is interrupted from time to time by receipt of the plurality of n packets. When the last of the n packets is received (step 290), the receiver measures the elapsed time from the end of receipt of the initial packet to the end of receipt of the last of the n packets, i.e., the n-packet receipt duration (step 300). 
     The receiver then verifies the content, identity and number of the n packets (step 310). If all n packets are found to be valid, the receiver provides to the transmitter the aforesaid data packet which contains information as to the n-packet receipt duration (step 320). 
     FIG. 7 illustrates in even greater detail the time relationship of the communication of packets and the time duration measurements. 
     Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9 which illustrate a preferred method for selection of a value for Y. An echo request packet is transmitted by the transmitter and a time measurement is started at as nearly as possible the same time (step 350). The transmitter then goes into an idle state (step 360) until interrupted by a received echo return packet. The elapsed time between transmission of the echo request packet and the receipt of the echo return packet is measured (step 370). This elapsed time is termed herein &#34;the round-trip delay&#34;. 
     Preferably, the above procedure is repeated a few times in succession, such as m=3 times (step 380), and the smallest of the measured round-trip delays, also termed herein &#34;the minimal round-trip delay&#34;, is selected (step 390). The minimal round-trip delay is then divided (step 400) by the interpacket interval, which is determined as described hereinabove. 
     The resulting quotient is added (step 410) to a typically predetermined number Z of packets, to provide a corrected number of packets, Y, which is transmitted among successive echo requests. Z corresponds to the maximum number of packets which it is safe to assign to receipt of data from the transmitter so as not to create congestion on the network path or overrun the buffers at the receiver. Z typically depends on the packet size, the size of the input buffer of the individual receiver or of elements in the network en route between the individual receiver and the individual transmitter, and the maximum proportion of the available input buffer space which may be dedicated to reception of data from the individual transmitter. 
     A preferred method for determining Z on an empirical basis is as follows: 
     a. A value for Z may be selected from an existing protocol. For example, the value Z=8 is used by ATP of AppleTalk as the maximum number of packets which may be sent without receiving acknowledgement. AppleTalk is a trademark of Apple Computers, Inc. 
     b. Preferably, trial and error experimentation is carried out on higher values of Z so as to empirically determine whether larger values of Z enhance performance without resulting in receiver overflow or in overflow of a data network element en route between transmitter and receiver which has a small buffer relative to its processing speed. 
     For example, a value of Z=10 has been found to be suitable for LocalTalk networks with Macintosh computers. A value of Z=20 has been found to be suitable for Ethernet networks with Macintosh computers. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the receiver remains idle until interrupted by a received echo request packet. Upon receipt of the echo request packet, the receiver transmits an echo return packet. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates in even greater detail the time relationship of the communication of echo request and return packets and the elapsed time measurements between transmission of echo request packets and receipt of echo return packets. 
     In the timing diagrams of FIGS. 5A-5C, 7 and 9, each arrow in the transmitter column indicates the point in time at which transmission of a particular packet begins. The point in time at which transmission of each packet ends is not indicated. Similarly, each arrow in the receiver column indicates the point in time at which receipt of a particular packet begins. The point in time at which receipt of each packet ends is not indicated. 
     For simplicity, the point in time at which a particular packet is received is shown to be identical to the point in time at which the same packet is transmitted. In fact, there is always a delay between transmittal and receipt which typically varies in length as a function of congestion, distance between transmitter and receiver, the load on the transmitter, the receiver, and on routers, bridges, repeaters and other network devices situated en route, and other factors, as explained above. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B, taken together, are a simplified flowchart of a preferred rate monitoring method which may be employed upon arrival of an echo return (step 420) to identify noninstantaneous occurrences of network path being underutilized which may justify increasing the rate of information transmission. 
     If (step 422) the current interpacket interval has been selected to be as small as possible, as described above with reference to step 246 of FIG. 6A, the method of FIG. 10A is terminated by a return to FIG. 4A to complete step 160 where it was left off. 
     Otherwise, if (step 426) at least one of the last Y packets sent thus far in the course of carrying out step 160 was not sent on time, i.e., if, at least once in the course of carrying out step 160, the interpacket interval exceeded that computed in step 250 of FIG. 6A, then zero an underutilization counter (step 428). 
     If all of the last Y packets were sent on time, then the round trip time is measured (step 430). If the round trip time is large, e.g., relative to a predetermined threshold, then the network portion connecting and containing the transmitter and the receiver is not underutilized and therefore (step 450) the underutilization counter is zeroed. 
     If the round trip time is small, e.g., relative to the predetermined threshold, then (step 460) the underutilization counter is incremented. 
     If (step 470) the underutilization counter is less than a predetermined value such as 3, no further action is taken and the method returns to FIG. 4A to complete step 160 where it was left off. If the underutilization counter reaches the predetermined value, such as 3, the method of FIG. 6A is carried out (step 480), in which it is determined that the current situation justifies an increase in the transmission rate and, if so, to what level. 
     In step 490, if the interpacket interval computed in step 480 is found to be not smaller than the previously employed interpacket interval, then the previously employed interpacket interval is used for the next Y data packets (step 520). Otherwise (step 500), the newly computed interpacket interval is used for the next Y data packets. 
     In step 510, a new level is determined for Y which is employed (step 540) if (step 530) the new level of Y is smaller than the old level of Y. If the old level of Y is smaller, the old level of Y is employed (step 550). 
     The method of FIG. 10B eventually returns to the method of FIG. 4A and completes step 160, the interruption of which instigated the method of FIG. 10B. 
     A particular feature of the apparatus and methods shown and described hereinabove is that data transmission substantially without rate oscillation is provided. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow: ##SPC1##