Patent ID: 6272132
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: H04J,H04L

Abstract:
A system for scheduling and managing data transfer of data packets from at least one source to at least one destination, wherein the transfer of the data packets is provided during respective ones of a plurality of predefined time intervals, wherein each of the predefined time intervals is comprised of a plurality of predefined time frames, said system comprising:a plurality of switches;a virtual pipe comprising at least two of the switches interconnected via communication links in a path;a common time reference signal coupled to each of the switches;a time assigned controller for assigning selected predefined time frames for transfer into and out from each of the respective switches responsive to the common time reference signal;wherein for each switch within the virtual pipe there is a first predefined time frame within which a respective data packet is transferred into the respective switch, and a second predefined time frame within which the respective data packet is forwarded out of the respective switch; andwherein the time assignment provides consistent fixed intervals between the time between the input to and output from the virtual pipe.