Patent ID: 6529478
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method of controlling the transfer of data from an input module to an output module on a network, said method comprising:providing a control module for controlling communication between the input module and the output module; receiving a packet of data at the input module, the input module generating a meta-data packet in response to the packet of data, the meta-data packet including information identifying the output module to which the packet of data is to be transferred, the input module transferring the meta-data packet to the control module; and at the control module,(i) receiving the meta-data packet from the input module, (ii) receiving from the identified output module a first item of information which indicates whether or not the packet of data will be dropped if sent, and (iii) based on the first item of information, if the packet of data is to be dropped, notifying the input module to drop the packet of data.