Patent ID: 6567378
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for selectively discarding packets each having a plurality of cells, in a cell relay network that includes a switching mechanism having an output port, the method, executed by the output port, comprising the steps of:receiving a first cell of a packet; determining a total number of cells in the packet; determining a number of cells to be received for a plurality of different packets; determining an aggregate rate based on adding a rate at which cells in the packet arrive at the switching mechanism and a rate at which cells for the different packets arrive at the switching mechanism; deciding whether a buffer capacity is sufficient based on the total number of cells in the packet, the aggregate rate, and the number of cells to be received for the different packets; storing the first cell when the buffer capacity is sufficient; and discarding the first cell when the buffer capacity is insufficient.