Patent ID: 6408002
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
In a parallel processing system that includes a network of inter-connected message packet routing elements, a method for preventing system lock-up caused by corrupted message packets, wherein an uncorrupted message packet contains a start code at the beginning of the message packet, followed by one or more data words, and a tail code at the end of the message packet, said method comprising the steps of:analyzing a sequence in which message packet codes and words are received by an input buffer associated with a routing element; determining whether a start code fails to arrive in a sequence that is consistent with an expected sequence; and discarding all codes and words received at the input buffer until a valid start code is received; determining whether a start code is received by the input buffer in a sequence that is inconsistent with the expected sequence; if it is determined that a start code has been received by the input buffer in a sequence that is inconsistent with the expected sequence, inserting a tail code into the message packet just prior to the start code, wherein the tail code indicates that the message packet is corrupted.