Patent ID: 7313089

Claim:
A method for controlling data flow between a plurality of input devices and a plurality of output devices through a first or a second switch fabric interposed therebetween, wherein the first switch fabric is in an active mode and the second switch fabric is in a standby mode, said method comprising: (a) producing a control signal prior to causing the first switch fabric to assume the standby mode and the second switch fabric to assume the active mode; (b) in response to the control signal, terminating the transmission of data into the first switch fabric from the plurality of input devices; (c) in response to the control signal, starting a drain timer; (d) in response to the drain timer having timed out or receipt of a switch fabric empty signal from the first switch fabric, controlling the first switch fabric to assume the standby mode and the second switch fabric to assume the active mode; (e) subsequent to the drain timer having timed out or receipt of the switch fabric empty signal from the first switch fabric, starting a restart timer; and (f) in response to the restart timer having timed out, sending data from the plurality of input devices into the second switch fabric.