Patent ID: 7483421

Claim:
A network interface configured to connect to a packet-based data network on which a plurality of different types of payload data are distinguished by network-based packet header data, said network interface comprising: a plurality of data handling nodes; and a routing arrangement responsive to a packet identifier configured to route data packets between said data handling nodes, wherein one of said data handling nodes is a network processor configured to receive one of the data packets from and configured to transmit another of the data packets to said packet-based network, said network processor configured a) in the case of a data packet received from said data network, to detect a type of payload data from said network-based packet header data, to remove said network-based packet header data from said packet, and to associate with said packet an identifier which specifies a route across said routing arrangement to a target data handling node and a data handling operation to be carried out by said target data handling node, and b) in the case of a data packet received from another data handling node and having an associated packet identifier, to detect a type of payload data from said packet identifier, to remove said packet identifier, to apply network-based packet header data in dependence on said packet identifier, and to launch said data packet onto said network.