Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to implement a packet switch buffer for unicast and multicast data. Incoming data packets are first stored in an input buffer memory. These data packets are examined to determine where in a primary output memory to place the data packets. The data packets are then transferred from the input buffer memory to the primary output memory. Afterward, the data packets are transferred from the primary output memory to a secondary output memory, and then from the secondary output memory to line card interface units (LCIUs).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to implement a packet switch buffer. Incoming data packets are temporarily stored in an input buffer memory. Data packets in the input buffer memory are then examined to determine locations in an output buffer memory where the data packets should be transferred. Data packets in the input buffer memory are then transferred to the output buffer memory, such that data packets destined for a line card are written in an output memory block corresponding to the line card. Afterward, data packets in the output buffer memory are extracted and forwarded to designated output destinations.