Abstract: A network device architecture comprising a fault-tolerant array of network processing modules, selectively coupled to trunk interface boards through main fabric switch(es) using high-bandwidth communication media and selectively coupled to any of a number of media processing modules using low-bandwidth communication media. Network content delivered to the network processing modules for network processing that contain media content are selectively coupled to any of the one or more media processing modules for additional media processing before passing the processed content to the next hop in the path towards the destination computing appliance.

Abstract: Multiple boards are connected within a chassis, using a multi-port Target Channel Adapter (TCA). Data is transported from a TCA on a board directly to a TCA on another board through a meshed backplane. The meshed backplane is equipped to mount boards via connectors and may consist of a fabric of copper conductors or optical fibers. Communication from TCA to TCA requires placing ports on each individual TCA along with the appropriate input and output buffering. A multi-port TCA capable of performing multiple bridging functions simultaneously i.e., bridging from a high speed serial meshed backplane to multiple local busses, i.e., Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and TCP/IP devices, is referred to as a Fabric Interconnect Chip (FIC).

Abstract: A method of providing virtual output queue feedback to a number of boards coupled with a switch. A number of virtual queues in the switch and/or in the boards are monitored and, in response to one of these queues reaching a threshold occupancy, a feedback signal is provided to one of the boards, the signal directing that board to alter its rate of transmission to another one of the boards. Each board includes a number of virtual output queues, which may be allocated per port and which may be further allocated on a quality of service level basis.

Abstract: A network device architecture and associated methods are generally described.

Abstract: Multiple boards are connected within a chassis, using a multi-port Target Channel Adapter (TCA). Data is transported from a TCA on a board directly to a TCA on another board through a meshed backplane. The meshed backplane is equipped to mount boards via connectors and may consist of a fabric of copper conductors or optical fibers. Communication from TCA to TCA requires placing ports on each individual TCA along with the appropriate input and output buffering. A multi-port TCA capable of performing multiple bridging functions simultaneously i.e., bridging from a high speed serial meshed backplane to multiple local busses, i.e., Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and TCP/IP devices, is referred to as a Fabric Interconnect Chip (FIC).

Abstract: A method of providing virtual output queue feedback to a number of boards coupled with a switch. A number of virtual queues in the switch and/or in the boards are monitored and, in response to one of these queues reaching a threshold occupancy, a feedback signal is provided to one of the boards, the signal directing that board to alter its rate of transmission to another one of the boards. Each board includes a number of virtual output queues, which may be allocated per port and which may be further allocated on a quality of service level basis.