Patent ID: 7542423
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: a memory circuit receiving a first data frame of a first stream of data frames to be transmitted to a first destination device via a switching fabric and a line card, wherein the switching fabric comprises first and second data ports through which data frames can exit the switching fabric to reach the first destination device via the line card, wherein the first and second data ports are coupled to the line card via first and second communication links, respectively; generating and adding first routing data to the first data frame, wherein the first routing data identifies the first data port through which data frames can exit the switching fabric to reach the first destination device via the line card; transmitting the received first data frame to the switching fabric after the first routing data is added to the first data frame; the memory circuit receiving a second data frame of a second stream of data frames to be transmitted to a second destination device via the switching fabric and the line card; generating and adding second routing data to the second data frame, wherein the second routing data identifies the second data port through which data frames can exit the switching fabric to reach the second destination device via the line card; transmitting the received second data frame to the switching fabric after the second routing data is added to the second data frame.