Patent ID: 7336674
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for managing packet memory in a network switch, the apparatus comprising: an empty list memory comprising a multiplicity of first buffers; wherein each of said multiplicity of first buffers is accessible in accordance with a respective list address; a storage buffer comprising a multiplicity of second buffers; wherein each of said multiplicity of second buffers is accessible in accordance with a respective buffer address; wherein each of said multiplicity of first buffers corresponds to a respective one of said multiplicity of second buffers and data stored in said multiplicity of first buffers indicate if the respective ones of said second buffers have valid data stored therein; wherein one list address indicates the next available one of said multiplicity of first buffers; and wherein a buffer address of the next available one of said multiplicity of second buffers is a function of the one list address of the next available one of said multiplicity of first buffers.