Patent ID: 8200850
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of communication modules coupled together in a communication ring, the modules each including a memory device and the modules being operable to send and receive data from peripheral devices, wherein the ring includes a first path operable for propagating a data stream, including control signals and data, from module to module around the ring in a first direction and a second path operable for propagating a data stream, including control signals and data, from module to module around the ring in a second direction, the modules being operable to send and receive the data streams on the paths, wherein each at least one of the modules of the ring is operable, responsive to receiving a predetermined initialization signal, to operate as a master for initially blocking data in the first path and initially sending a block signal to a neighboring module downstream in the second path, and wherein the modules of the ring are operable, responsive to receiving the block signal in one of the paths, to block data in that one of the paths, so that responsive to initialization of one of the modules of the ring as a master, the master and the neighboring module create an inactive virtual link therebetween that prevents data from propagating around the ring more than once.