Patent ID: 6542507
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A method of controlling buffering of a discrete information unit of digital data, for use within a digital switch having multiple source input ports, multiple destination output ports, and a switch fabric for switching a discrete information unit received at any of the source input ports to any of the destination output ports, wherein each source input port is associated with an input unit and wherein each destination output port is associated with an output unit, the method comprising the steps of:buffering a discrete information unit on an input unit, the discrete information unit destined for a particular output unit; transmitting from the input unit to the particular output unit a request to release the discrete information unit; incrementing a value on the output unit to indicate that the discrete information unit is awaiting release from the input unit; the output unit monitoring fullness of its output buffer to receive additional discrete information units and, in response to the transmitted request, eventually transmitting to the input unit a grant to release the discrete information unit to the output unit; and the input unit monitoring for grants and, in response to the transmitted grant, releasing the discrete information unit from the input unit to the output unit.