Abstract: A scheduler for a server includes a timestamp associative array for storing timestamps. The scheduler includes an advanced elastic time recovery mechanism having a processor in communication with the associative array which uses a wildcard search to find at least one timestamp in the associative array to schedule for service by the server in a single search, and to increment operational time by more than 1 in a given clock cycle. A method of using a scheduler for a server includes the steps of storing timestamps in a timestamp associative array. There is the step of using a wildcard search of an advanced elastic time recovery mechanism having a processor in communication with the associative array to find a timestamp in the associative array to schedule for service by the server in a single search. There is the step of incrementing operational time by more than 1 in a given clock cycle.

Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) includes ports through which keys having at least a 16 bit function are received or transmitted. The CAM includes a processing unit in communication with the ports. The CAM includes a storage portion in which the keys are stored in communication with a processing unit. The CAM includes a programmable key update mechanism in communication with the processing unit which updates the keys without the keys leaving the CAM. A method for using a content addressable memory (CAM) includes the steps of receiving keys having at least a 16 bit function at a port. There is the step of storing the keys in a storage portion in communication with a processing unit. There is the step of updating the keys without the keys leaving the CAM with a programmable key update mechanism in communication with a processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring data in a telecommunications network. The apparatus includes a memory in which a packet memory length is stored. The apparatus includes a mechanism for determining a link length for the packet that will be sent into the network based on the memory length and at least one parameter, where the link length correctly corresponds to the packet's physical line bandwidth usage in the network. The apparatus includes a mechanism for sending the packet having the link length to the network. A method for transferring data in a telecommunications network. The method includes the steps of storing in a memory a memory length of a packet. There is the step of determining a link length for the packet that will be sent into the network based on the memory length and at least one parameter, where the link length correctly corresponds to the packet's physical line bandwidth usage in the network There is the step of sending the packet having the link length to the network.