Abstract: A parallel storage allocation method and device in which each space in a memory section that is available for use is associated with a respective allocator and stores an identifier for the respective allocator, data identifying allocators not in use is stored, and a list of allocators associated with spaces which are available for use is maintained. Each time a memory space is no longer in use a check is made to determine the allocator identifier of any already free space which can be combined with the memory space that is no longer in use. A liberate space token is generated which includes a first identifier corresponding to an allocator which is not in use and a second identifier which corresponds to any already free space to be combined. If the list of allocators relative to available space does not contain the allocator having the second identifier, the allocator having the first identifier is entered in the list with details of the no longer in use space.

Abstract: A delay management method and device in which, when a data read request is made relating to data which has not yet reached a memory section, that read request is delayed and sent to a delay management section. The read request data is sent to a free address in the delay management section selected from a store of free addresses in the memory section. The delay management section stores the read request data at the free address. The delay management section communicates free addresses to the memory section.

Abstract: A data packet shortening method for shortening data packets passed between first and second devices. The data packets include address data which is sent from the first device to the second device and returned to the first device unchanged. The address data is temporarily stored at an address of a memory device, and the address data and the address of that data in the memory device is sent from the first device to the second device. When it is necessary to communicate the address data from the second device to the first device a data packet is sent which includes the address of that data in the memory device but does not include the actual address data. The required address data is derived by the first device from the address of that data in the memory device.