Patent ID: 7706394
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for switching data packets in a shared-memory switch core: providing in said shared-memory switch core a collapsed virtual output queuing array with elements of said array corresponding to virtual output queues; updating, in said switch core, the collapsed virtual output queuing array upon reception of transmission requests; determining whether there is enough room in the shared memory switch core to store at least one data packet; determining whether an egress port adapter to which the at least one data packet is destined has sufficient available memory to receive at least one data packet; selecting one virtual output queue holding at least one data packet, wherein said selecting is performed only if: (a) there is enough room in the shared memory switch core, and (b) the egress port adapter has sufficient available memory to receive at least one data packet; updating said collapsed virtual output queuing array according to said virtual output queue selection; transmitting an acknowledgment to said selected virtual output queue; and forwarding a received data packet of the at least one data packet to said egress port adapter, wherein said forwarding further comprises: