Patent ID: 6064647
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
For use in a crossbar interconnect network including a plurality of source paths for originating data frames and a plurality of destination paths for receiving the data frames, a method for transmitting data frames from a source path to a primary destination path having more than one source path requesting access thereto, the source path having a primary source buffer associated therewith for receiving a first data frame from the source path for transmission to the primary destination path via primary connection through a crossbar card capable of connecting the source path to the primary destination path, the method comprising:providing an alternate source buffer associated with the source path for receiving a second data frame for transmission to an alternate destination path via an alternate connection through the crossbar card capable of connecting the source path to the alternate destination path upon determining the primary destination path is busy wherein the primary destination path is busy when the primary connection cannot be made;determining if the alternate destination path is busy wherein the alternate destination path is busy when the alternate connection cannot be made;if not, transmitting the second data frame to the alternate destination path via the alternate connection while waiting for the primary connection to be made; andif so, monitoring the primary destination path and alternate destination path to determine when one of the primary and alternate connections has been made in order to transmit one of the first and second data frames to the corresponding one of the primary and alternate destination paths.