Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates transmission buffer under-run protection. During operation, the system stores bits of a data frame in a transmission buffer associated with an output port. The system also monitors the state of the transmission buffer and commences transmission of the data frame to the output port prior to complete reception of the data frame in the transmission buffer. The system further determines that the amount of data stored in the transmission buffer is below a predetermined threshold and inserts a number of predetermined unique bit sequences after the partially transmitted data frame, thereby allowing a receiving device to temporarily suspend reception of the data frame and resume reception at a later time without dropping the data frame.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates flow control of multi-path-switched data frames. During operation the system transmits from an ingress edge device data frames destined to an egress edge device across different switched paths based on queue status of a core switching device and queue status of the egress edge device. The egress edge device is separate from the core switching device.

Abstract: A device that synchronizes circuits over asynchronous links is disclosed. Some embodiments of the invention include a device that comprises a plurality of circuits. One of the plurality of circuits is designated as a “master” circuit. The master circuit is configured to send a first synchronization signal to one or more of the plurality of circuits, and each circuit that receives the first synchronization signal is configured to responsively send a second synchronization signal to one or more of the plurality of circuits.