Patent ID: 6466578
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A broad band network adapted to carry packet traffic and comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes, which nodes comprise tandem switches (12) and edge switches (13), said edge switches each incorporating an IP network interface or adapter (21) and being interconnected by permanent virtual channels via said tandem switches, wherein each said edge switch incorporates a cut-through routing function (52) having a memory (53) associated therewith for storing packet header information and having means for comparing header information from incoming packets with said stored information whereby to identify those packets forming a flow, means for segmenting each said packet determined to be part of a flow into minicells for transmission in sequence order over a said permanent virtual circuit established across the network for that flow, and default router means (55) for processing the packet headers of each of those packets not identified as part of a flow so as identify for that packet a destination edge switch for that packet and for segmenting that packet for transport over a default permanent virtual channel to said destination edge switch.