Patent ID: 6771642
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for arbitrating between one or more unicast packets and one or more multicast packets for transferal through a packet switch having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, said method comprising steps of:(a) determining a state switch trigger condition while said packet switch is in a first state, said first state being such that said packet switch preferentially transfers said one or more unicast packets from said plurality of inputs to said plurality of outputs, said state switch trigger condition including a sufficient number of multicast packets; (b) switching from said first state to a second state responsive to said state switch trigger condition, said second state being such that said packet switch preferentially transfers some portion of a programmed number of multicast packets from said plurality of inputs to said plurality of outputs; (c) transferring some portion of said programmed number of multicast packets up to said programmed number of multicast packets from said plurality of inputs to said plurality of outputs; (d) switching from said second state to said first state responsive to completion of said step of transferring.