Abstract

A synchronized node control system, which provides an interface between user processors, which originate and receive messages, and a packet switching network that uses a multi-level communications protocol. Clusters of user processors are each associated with a node controller that communicates with a gateway of the switching network. Each node controller is programmed to handle level two protocols for communicating messages between node controllers, and level three protocols for communicating messages between said user processors. Each node controller is further programmed to perform processes associated with these protocols such that all node controllers perform the same schedule of processes during a node control frame period. Each node controller is further programmed to synchronize its internal level two and level three operations within the node controller frame period, and to synchronize its level two processes, such that an originating and a destination node controller transfer a particular packet during a packet frame period.