Patent ID: 6606326
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for forwarding a data packet within a packet switch having an input port, an output port, and a bypass path and a central queue path coupled in parallel between the input port and the output port, said method comprising:dividing the data packet into a sequence of multiple portions; forwarding the sequence of multiple portions from the input port to the output port through the central queue path; during said forwarding, determining that one portion of the multiple portions of the sequence comprises a critical portion; and switching forwarding of the sequence of multiple portions from the input port to the output port to the bypass path when said determining determines that said one portion of the multiple portions of the sequence comprises a critical portion, said switching resulting in passing said critical portion from said input port to said output port through the bypass path irrespective of whether contention exists for said output port.