US Patent 7583600 Schedule prediction for data link layer packets

There can be provided a port operable for a PCI Express link. The port can comprise a scheduler operable to determine a next management packet transmission time, and a windower operable to determine a transmission window based upon the next management packet transmission time. The port can also comprise an inserter operable to examine a data packet stream to determine whether a gap therein occurs during the transmission window, and if such a gap does occur to control insertion of a management packet thereinto. Thus transmission efficiency for management packets over the link can be increased.