Patent ID: 6504846
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method of reclaiming buffers used to store data frames received by a network switch, the method comprising the steps:inputting entries into a multicopy queue that queues entries corresponding to received data frames which must be transmitted to multiple output ports of the network switch, the entries storing frame pointers that address locations in memory where frame buffers that store received data frames are located; determining if all copies of a received data frame have been output to the multiple output ports; and if all copies of the received data frame have been output to the multiple output ports, then performing a step of reclaiming one or more frame buffers used for storing the received data frame in a memory, based on the size of the received data frame, wherein a frame pointer addresses a location in the memory where each received data frame is stored, when the stored received data frame consists of a single frame buffer, the frame pointer is placed into a free buffer queue, and when the stored received data frame consists of multiple frame buffers, the frame pointer is placed into a reclaim queue.