Patent ID: 7002996

Claim:
A method for synchronizing timing in a broadband switch that includes a plurality of line cards for transceiving information packets and a plurality of switch cards for controlling distribution of the information packets between the line cards, the method comprising: from the plurality of switch cards, designating a master switch card having a master switch timing reference and slave switch cards; from the plurality of line cards, designating a master line card and slave line cards; synchronizing the plurality of line cards; and synchronizing the plurality of switch cards in response to communications with the line cards; wherein synchronizing the plurality of line cards includes synchronizing line cards to the master switch timing reference in response to communications with the master switch card; and wherein synchronizing the plurality of switch cards in response to communications with the line cards includes: synchronizing the slave switch cards to the master switch timing reference in response to communications with the master line card; and establishing communications exclusively between the switch cards and the line cards.