Gaming system and method for providing communication between a gaming client and a server by a switching protocol

Abstract

A gaming system and associated method are provided. Included is a plurality of gaming clients each including a display and at least one input device. Also included is a server in communication with the gaming clients. Further, communication between the gaming clients and the server is provided by a switching protocol.

1 . A system comprising 
 a plurality of gaming clients each including a display and at least one input device; and    a server in communication with the gaming clients;    wherein communication between the gaming clients and the server is provided by a switching protocol.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming clients communicate independently.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication between the gaming clients and the server is provided by a fiber optic link.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication between the gaming clients and the server is provided by an Ethernet connection.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication between the gaming clients and the server is digital.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication between the gaming clients and the server is analog.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication between the gaming clients and the server is provided by a daisy chain network.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication between the gaming clients and the server is provided by a tapped configuration network.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication between the gaming clients and the server is provided by a star-type network.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming clients are in communication with the server via at least one system interface board.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the gaming clients are in communication with the server via at least one driver/receiver unit.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the server is a data collection unit.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of server is included.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein further included is a computer in communication with the server, the computer equipped with a broadband communication link for receiving information destined for at least one of the gaming clients.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the switching protocol marks each of a plurality of request with information.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the information identifies an initiating device.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the information identifies recipient identifier requirements.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the information includes arbitration information.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the information includes synchronization information.  
   
   
       20 . A method comprising: 
 providing communication between a server and a plurality of gaming clients each including a display and at least one input device;    providing communication between the server and the gaming clients utilizing a switching protocol.