Patent ID: 7818449
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for providing reserved connections between end stations, in a network capable of providing prioritized communications, comprising: a switch in packet communication with the end stations, wherein the switch is adapted to detect and forward packets that contain prioritized data for priority processing, and packets that include requests for reserved connections according to a given reservation protocol, wherein the switch comprises a plurality of output queues associated with egress ports of the switch that correspond to different priorities associated with received priority packets, wherein the plurality of output queues comprise a plurality of additional output queues for reserved connections, wherein each additional output queue is established and associated only with requests for reserved connections and reserved connection data packets for one reserved connection path at a given time, wherein the switch, in response to intercepting a reserved connection request transmitted between end stations in a network, determines whether there is sufficient bandwidth available to establish a reserved connection path within the network, and if so, establishes a reserved connection path, allocates the bandwidth for the reserved connection path, and forwards the reserved connection request to the additional output queue associated with the reserved connection path, and for, in response to each packet received at the input of the switch, determines whether the packet is associated with the reserved connection path and forwards those packets to the additional output queue on the egress port associated with the reserved connection path for transport to the intended destination.