Abstract: In flow control, such as in Ethernet communication, the data is divided into queues of different priorities so that, when transmission is enabled, quality of service may be provided by first transmitting data of high priority. A networking element, such as a switch, a router, a bridge or a MAC, is adapted to transfer flow control information without awaiting its own buffer to fill. This reduces latency and facilitates the providing of networking elements without buffers.

Abstract: A data switching system comprising one or more I/O elements each comprising a plurality of first input/output ports adapted to receive and transmit data packets or cells to and from an external data network, and one or more second input/output ports adapted to receive and transmit data packets or cells, means for providing first routing information relating to at least one packet or cell to be output from one or more of the second port(s), each I/O element being adapted to transfer data packets or cells between the first ports and the second port(s) and to output data packets or cells comprising corresponding first routing information from the second port(s), a switching element having a plurality of third input/output ports being adapted to receive and transmit data packets or cells, the switching element comprising means for receiving on a third port a data packet or cell as well as the corresponding first routing information, determining, on the basis of the first routing information, port information indi

Abstract: A data switching system comprising one or more I/O elements each comprising a plurality of first input/output ports adapted to receive and transmit data packets or cells to and from an external data network, and one or more second input/output ports adapted to receive and transmit data packets or cells, means for providing first routing information relating to at least one packet or cell to be output from one or more of the second port(s), each I/O element being adapted to transfer data packets or cells between the first ports and the second port(s) and to output data packets or cells comprising corresponding first routing information from the second port(s), a switching element having a plurality of third input/output ports being adapted to receive and transmit data packets or cells, the switching element comprising means for receiving on a third port a data packet or cell as well as the corresponding first routing information, determining, on the basis of the first routing information, port information indi

Abstract: In flow control, such as in Ethernet communication, the data is divided into queues of different priorities so that, when transmission is enabled, quality of service may be provided by first transmitting data of high priority. A networking element, such as a switch, a router, a bridge or a MAC, is adapted to transfer flow control information without awaiting its own buffer to fill. This reduces latency and facilitates the providing of networking elements without buffers.