Patent ID: 6330236
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: H04J,H04L

Abstract:
A switching system coupled for receiving a common time reference signal, and for receiving incoming data packets and transmitting outgoing data packets at relative positions within time intervals comprised of predefined time frames, wherein one or more packets can be communicated within each of the time frames, the system comprising:a plurality of input ports each having a unique address;a plurality of output ports each having a unique address;a timing subsystem for determining a defined time in for each of the incoming data packets, for associating each said respective data packets with a particular one of the predefined time frames;position logic for determining a relative position for each of said respective incoming data packet within the respective particular time frame; anda time-based routing controller responsive to (1) the unique address of the input port associated with each one of the incoming data packets; (2) the associated time-frame of arrival; and (3) the associated relative position for each said respective incoming data packet within said time-frame of arrival, to provide a routing to an associated particular one of the output ports at an associated particular position and within an associated second particular time frame.