Patent ID: 7277443
Filing Date: 2007-10-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. In a network for distributing packetized information, said network including a plurality of nodes coupled to one another through a pair of communication paths having the form of rings, where data traffic on a first ring flows in an opposite direction to data traffic on a second ring, wherein each of said nodes comprises a ring terminal, a method of routing packet traffic at a first node of said plurality of nodes, comprising: receiving over said first ring, a first data packet stream at a first transmission link interface of said ring terminal associated with said first node; extracting, at a first filter coupled to said first transmission link interface, packets destined for said first node; inserting, at said first filter, null packets as replacement packets of said extracted packets; forwarding said extracted packets to control and switching circuitry coupled to said first filter; injecting, at a first packet injector coupled to said control and switching circuitry, packets associated with a second node to form a second data packet stream; sending, to a second transmission link interface associated with said first ring, said second data packet stream; receiving over said second ring, a third data packet stream at a third transmission link interface of said ring terminal associated with said first node; extracting, at a second filter coupled to said third transmission link interface, packets destined for said first node; inserting, at said second filter, null packets as replacement packets of said extracted packets; forwarding said extracted packets to control and switching circuitry coupled to said second filter; injecting, at a second packet injector coupled to said control and switching circuitry, packets associated with a third node to form a fourth data packet stream; sending, to a fourth transmission link interface associated with said second ring, said fourth data packet stream.