Patent ID: 7286548
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method in a network element comprising: queuing a plurality of prefetch requests, wherein a subset of the plurality of prefetch requests corresponds to a multicast packet stored at a first target location; issuing a first of the subset of prefetch requests corresponding to the multicast packet stored at the first target location; determining that the target locations of subsequent ones of the queued subset of prefetch requests match the first target location of the issued first of the subset of prefetch requests; blocking each of the subsequent ones of the subset of prefetch requests; determining that the target location of another one of the plurality of prefetch requests does not match a target location of a prior queued prefetch request, the prior queued prefetch requests including the first of the subset of prefetch requests, the another one of the plurality of prefetch requests corresponding to a packet stored at a second target location; issuing the another one of the plurality of prefetch requests; unblocking a next one of the subsequent ones of the subset of prefetch requests after the first of the subset of prefetch request has been serviced; and issuing the next of the subset of prefetch requests corresponding to the multicast packet stored at the first target location.