Patent ID: 6667955
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A switch fabric system including:at least one protocol adapter configured as a Primary Switch Controller (PSC), having information identifying the full topology of the switch fabric system; at least one sub-assembly configured as a Secondary Switch Controller (SSC), having limited information about the topology of the switch fabric system; a full duplex communications channel interconnecting the Primary Switch Controller and the Secondary Switch Controller wherein full duplex communication is established and maintained between said Secondary Switch Controller and said Primary Switch Controller; a first Switch Fabric subsystem (100) comprising a first set of Switch cores (111, 112, 121, 122) that are mounted in a port expansion architecture; and said at least one sub-assembly being one particular Switch core having full-duplex communication capability and acting as a focal communication interface point with said PSC; and a second Switch Fabric subsystem (200) comprising a second set of Switch cores (211, 212, 221, 222) that are mounted in a port expansion architecture; one particular Switch core belonging to said second Switch Fabric Subsystem having full-duplex capability and acting as a focal communication interface point with said PSC; each of said first and second Switch Fabric having attachment to the at least one Protocol Adapter and acting as a standby for the other Switch Fabric in case of a breakdown.