Patent ID: 8559443

Claim:
A method of transferring packets/cells and messages within a switching apparatus, the method comprising: a) generating a message at a first unit of a plurality of input units and output units, the message destined for a second unit of the plurality of input units and output units; b) transferring the message from the first unit to the second unit via a message controller comprising a message switch; c) outputting a packet/cell scheduling request command from a requestor unit of the plurality of input units to the message controller; d) the message controller receiving the packet/cell transfer scheduling request command, determining when to allow transfer of the packet/cell, and notifying the requestor unit by outputting a packet/cell data acknowledging command; and e) responsive to the packet/cell data acknowledging command, the requestor unit transferring a packet/cell to one of the output units via a packet/cell switch element separate from the message switch, wherein all messages generated at one of the plurality of input units and output units, and destined to another of the plurality of input units and output units, are switched by the message switch, and wherein all packets/cells transferred from one of the plurality of input units to one of the plurality of output units are switched by the packet/cell switch element.