Patent ID: 7480242
Filing Date: 2009-01-20
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling transfer of packets from input to output ports in a packet data switch, comprising the steps of: (a) at each input port, upon receiving a packet of data, buffering the incoming packet and preparing a meta-data packet which includes identity of the output port to transmit the data and identity information for the received packet; (b) sending the meta-data packet in each instance to a meta-data processor, separate from any input or output port; (c) determining by the meta-data processor for each meta-data packet, based on monitored status of the output ports, whether the associated packet should be dropped, and if so, informing the input port module to drop the packet; (d) for packets determined to be transmitted rather than dropped, placing the associated meta-data packets in queues maintained for each output port; (e) retrieving meta-data packets in order from the associated queues at the meta-data processor by each output port; and (f) informing the appropriate input port modules by the output port modules to send the packets to the output port modules to be transmitted.