An approach for minimizing queuing delay of packets is disclosed. M number of queues are configured to store packets. A memory stores a search order table that has table entries corresponding to the M queues. Specifically, the table entries store values that correspond to relative positions of the M queues and that are selected based upon a transmission constraint of the communication system. A scheduler is coupled to the memory and is configured to schedule transmission of the packets stored in the M queues based upon the search order table. According to one embodiment of the present invention, this queuing mechanism is applied in a satellite communication system with transmission constraints to the downlink cells.
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/670,124, filed Sep. 26, 2000 now abandoned, entitled "An Approach to Minimize Worst-Case Queueing Delay for a Switching Communication System with Transmission Constraints," which claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/198,580, filed Apr. 16, 2000, entitled "An Approach to Minimize Worst-Case Queueing Delay for a Switching Communication System with Transmission Constraints" the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.
