Abstract: A parser system is arranged to receive a data stream (1) having interleaved sections derived from a plurality of different packets, and to extract data from each section as it arrives. The parser system has a scanning section which receives information about each of the sections of data defining which packet it relates to, and employs this information and the properties of the data stream, to identify the locations of layer (2), layer (3) and layer (4) data. This information is passed to parser units (7), (9) which extract data based on this data and also offsets. The offsets for the parser (7) are stored in user-programmable registers (9).

Abstract: Data is processed in an embedded system by writing data read from a peripheral device in response to an event to memory external to the embedded system. The data or a portion of the data is copied to memory internal to the embedded system. Which portion of the data is stored in both the external memory and the internal memory is tracked. The copied data is retrieved from the internal memory by a processor included in the embedded system. The processor has one or more caches logically and physically separated from the internal memory. The processor uses the copied data it retrieved to begin servicing the event.

Abstract: Embodiments related to retransmission and a retransmission request are described and depicted.

Abstract: A communications queue controller for a communications network, the queue controller having a plurality of queue buffers of differing priorities. Each queue buffer has a flow control selector controllable by a programmable bit.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for ATM bonding. The apparatus comprises a first unit having a first xDSL line connected thereto, a second unit having a second xDSL line connected thereto and a connection between the first unit and the second unit. The first unit is arranged to convert one incoming ATM datastream to a plurality of data and to convert a plurality of incoming data to one ATM data stream. The first unit is arranged to implement the ATM bonding layer of the ATM protocol. The second unit may be arranged to implement one or more of the higher layers.

Abstract: A parser system is arranged to receive a data stream (1) having interleaved sections derived from a plurality of different packets, and to extract data from each section as it arrives. The parser system has a scanning section which receives information about each of the sections of data defining which packet it relates to, and employs this information and the properties of the data stream, to identify the locations of layer (2), layer (3) and layer (4) data. This information is passed to parser units (7), (9) which extract data based on this data and also offsets. The offsets for the parser (7) are stored in user-programmable registers (9).

Abstract: An Ethernet switch has at least one ingress/egress port 1 which is operable in two modes, in a first mode as a GE port and in a second mode as a plurality of FE ports. The port has 8 MAC interfaces 3 each of which is capable of receiving/transmitting FE packets, and at least one of the MAC interfaces can be configured to receive/transmit GE packets. Thus, the port has two modes of operation. The port further includes receive and transmit modules 5, 7 which receive GE and FE packets from, and transmit GE and FE packets to, the interfaces. If there are 8 such ports in the Ethernet switch, then by switching different numbers of the ports between the two modes, the switch may operate in 9 different modes: as 8 GE ports, 7 GE ports and 8 FE ports, 2 GE ports and 48 FE ports, 1 GE port and 56 FE ports, or simply as 64 FE ports.