Patent ID: 6064651
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
In a switch for a packet switched communication system, an apparatus for serially emitting packets of multiple time multiplexed flows in substantial compliance with network traffic contracts corresponding to the respective flows, at least one of said traffic contracts specifying a sustainable packet emission rate and a peak packet emission rate, said apparatus comprising:a queuing mechanism, said queuing mechanism organizing pending packets in respective queues in accordance with an oldest pending packet at head of queue order; anda scheduling mechanism coupled to said queuing mechanism including a non-work conserving calendar queue, said scheduling mechanism scheduling pending packets of respective flows on said non-work conserving calendar queue for emission (i) at said peak packet emission rate if the packets are being output at a rate less than said sustainable packet emission rate and (ii) at said sustainable packet emission rate if the packets are being output at a rate substantially equal to or greater than said sustainable packet emission rate.