Abstract: Forwarding decisions for Internet Protocol packets/frames are provided. An IP address from received packets/frames is extracted and split into portions or parts, a prefix, offset and suffix. A prefix table is used to identify an entry with a longest match to the prefix. A base address is retrieved from the identified entry to generate an identifier used to locate another entry in another table. The other identified entry provides receiver data or information regarding the intended destination.

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: Methods and apparatuses to calculate an output mask in a network switching engine that can support multiple aggregation methods. An aggregation table is programmed that includes physical link selection information for two or more aggregation methods that are associated with two or more different link aggregation groups.

Abstract: Forwarding decisions for Internet Protocol packets/frames are provided. An IP address from received packets/frames is extracted and split into portions or parts, a prefix, offset and suffix. A prefix table is used to identify an entry with a longest match to the prefix. A base address is retrieved from the identified entry to generate an identifier used to locate another entry in another table. The other identified entry provides receiver data or information regarding the intended destination.

Abstract: A switch chip where the parts taking up the most space on the die are provided with a redundancy in number so that a malfunctioning or weak element may be circumvented or routed around so that the chip may be fully functional even though one of the elements is malfunctioning. Means are provided for facilitating communication between the ports of the switch, the functioning elements and a common bus for transferring data between the elements and ports. The malfunctioning or redundant element may be rendered inactive by removing power or a clocking signal thereto. Manners of configuring and testing the chip are described as well as the use of the chip for providing lower functionality configurations.

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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to calculate an output mask in a network switching engine that can support multiple aggregation methods. An aggregation table is programmed that includes physical link selection information for two or more aggregation methods that are associated with two or more different link aggregation groups.

Abstract: A switching unit and a method for operating the same as well as a device for use in the switching unit, where the switching unit comprises a ring-shaped bus for transporting the data packets and a daisy-chain type bus for transporting controlling device information for use in a later switching routing. The two busses are driven synchronously. This systolic nature of the busses ensures optimal bandwidth of the switching.