Method and system for synchronization of link layer windows

Abstract

A method and system for synchronization of link layer windows in a wireless communications system is disclosed. At a transmitter in the wireless communications system, the transmitter transmits a plurality of frames in a transmitter's link layer window, wherein each frame comprises segments and sends a request for an acknowledgement of the plurality of frames to a receiver. Then the transmitter determines a last transmitted segment of an eldest frame of the plurality of frames in the transmitter's link layer window, if a response to the request is not received within a specified time period and sets a synchronization indicator in the determined last transmitted segment of the eldest frame. Finally, the transmitter transmits the determined last transmitted segment of the eldest frame with the synchronization indicator set to the receiver.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A method for synchronization of link layer windows in a wireless communications system comprising a receiver and transmitter, the method comprising: at a receiver in the wireless communications system:
 receiving a plurality of frames in a receiver's link layer window, wherein each frame comprises segments;   determining transmitter inactivity for a specified time period; and   delivering a first frame of the plurality of frames to a higher layer, if the first frame is successfully received.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising purging a second frame, if the second frame is not successfully received. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the determining further comprises implementing a timer that is reset when receiving at least one segment of the plurality of frames. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising advancing the receiver's link layer window if a received segment a) has a synchronization indicator set or b) is outside the receiver's link layer window. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the step of advancing further comprises:
 determining an eldest frame in the receiver's link layer window;   delivering the eldest frame to a higher layer, if the eldest frame is successfully received; and   purging the eldest frame, if the eldest frame is not successfully received.