Patent ID: 8009569
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A network element, comprising: a categorizer configured to assign one of a plurality of priorities to data packets received from a second network element at an input of the network element; a plurality of queues coupled to the categorizer. each queue of the plurality of queues associated with at least one of the plurality of priorities, and each queue configured to store the data packets assigned an associated priority; an output configured to transmit the data packets to a third network element and receive stopping information from the third network element; and a shaper configured to supply the data packets from the plurality of queues to the output, configured to receive the stopping information received by the output from the third network element, and configured to transmit the stopping information received by the output from the third network element to the second network element without regard to a status of the plurality of queues.