High-throughput scheduler with integer-based eligible number initialization

1. A method for scheduling data blocks for transmission from a plurality of transmission elements in timeslots of a frame in a communication system, the method comprising:

determining eligible numbers for respective ones of the transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in a given frame, wherein the eligible numbers are initialized using a common designated integer value n that is finite and greater than or equal to two;

selecting from those of the transmission elements having eligible numbers within a particular range at least one of the transmission elements for scheduling in a next available timeslot;

adjusting the eligible number(s) of the selected transmission element(s); and

repeating the selecting and adjusting steps for one or more remaining timeslots of the given frame.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting the eligible number(s) of the selected transmission element(s) further comprises decreasing the eligible number(s) of the selected transmission element(s) by a designated amount.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of selecting at least one of the transmission elements for scheduling in a next available timeslot further comprises the step of selecting from those of the transmission elements having eligible numbers within the particular range at least one of the transmission elements having a highest channel capacity.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the highest channel capacity comprises a highest absolute channel capacity.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the highest channel capacity comprises a highest relative channel capacity.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining the eligible numbers for respective ones of the transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in the given frame further comprises setting each of the eligible numbers to the integer value n.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of adjusting the eligible number(s) of the selected transmission element(s) further comprises decreasing the eligible number(s) of the selected transmission element(s) by one.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of selecting from those of the transmission elements having eligible numbers within a particular range further comprises selecting from those of the transmission elements having positive eligible numbers.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining the eligible numbers for respective ones of the transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in the given frame further comprises setting the eligible numbers equal to respective products of the integer value n and respective assigned weights.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the integer value n is less than or equal to ten.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the integer value n is less than or equal to four.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of performing the determining, selecting, adjusting and repeating steps for at least one additional frame.

13. The method of claim 1 further including the step of adding a new transmission element to the plurality of transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in the given frame.

14. An apparatus for scheduling data blocks for transmission from a plurality of transmission elements in timeslots of a frame in a communication system, the apparatus comprising:

a scheduler coupled to the transmission elements;

the scheduler being adapted to determine eligible numbers for respective ones of the transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in a given frame, wherein the eligible numbers are initialized using a common designated integer value n that is finite and greater than or equal to two; to select from those of the transmission elements having eligible numbers within a particular range at least one of the transmission elements for scheduling in a next available timeslot; to adjust the eligible number(s) of the selected transmission element(s); and to repeat the selection and adjustment for one or more remaining timeslots of the given frame.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the scheduler comprises scheduling circuitry implemented in a processing device of the communication system.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the processing device comprises a network processor integrated circuit.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the eligible numbers for respective ones of the transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in the given frame are initialized by setting each of the eligible numbers to the integer value n.

18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the eligible numbers for respective ones of the transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in the given frame are initialized by setting the eligible numbers equal to respective products of the integer value n and respective assigned weights.

19. An integrated circuit comprising:

a processing device having a scheduler configured to schedule data blocks for transmission from a plurality of transmission elements in timeslots of a frame;

the scheduler being coupled to the transmission elements;

the scheduler being adapted to determine eligible numbers for respective ones of the transmission elements that are eligible to transmit one or more data blocks in a given frame, wherein the eligible numbers are initialized using a common designated integer value n that is finite and greater than or equal to two; to select from those of the transmission elements having eligible numbers within a particular range at least one of the transmission elements for scheduling in a next available timeslot; to adjust the eligible number(s) of the selected transmission element(s); and to repeat the selection and adjustment for one or more remaining timeslots of the given frame.

20. The integrated circuit of claim 19 wherein the processing device comprises a network processor.