Abstract: Configurable virtual output queues (VOQs) in a scalable switching system and methods of using the queues are provided. The system takes advantage of the fact that not all VOQs are active or need to exist at one time. Thus, the system advantageously uses configurable VOQs and may not dedicate memory space and logic to all possible VOQs at one time.

Abstract: Systems and method for switching packets of information between ports are provided. One system comprises a plurality of port processors, a switch fabric and a scheduler. The port processors send packet headers to the scheduler, which resolves contentions between packet headers with the same destination port addresses. The scheduler sends request-grant information to the port processors. The port processors send packets as specified by the request-grant information to the switch fabric. The switch fabric transfers the packets between the port processors according to the destination port addresses of the packets.