Abstract: A system and method for scheduling packet output according to a quality of service (QoS) action specification. A system is provided with a calendar queue with a plurality of bandwidth timeslots, wherein the bandwidth timeslots are organized into groups. A look-up logic circuitry inspects a group of bandwidth timeslots substantially simultaneously and determines from the group a first unoccupied bandwidth timeslot in which a current packet can be scheduled. The look-up logic circuitry also determines a first occupied bandwidth timeslot that contains a next packet to be transmitted.

Abstract: A policy engine for handling incoming data packets. The policy engine includes a stream classification module, a data packet input/output module, and a policy enforcement module. The policy enforcement module further includes a packet scheduler, an on-chip packet buffer circuitry, and a plurality of action processors. The stream classification module creates a packet service header for each data packet, wherein the packet service header indicates policies to be enforced for that data packet. The action processors enforce the policies.

Abstract: A method of scheduling packet output according to a quality of service action specification, the method maintains a calendar queue of bandwidth timeslots, organizes the timeslots into groups, invokes a look-up logic circuitry to inspect a group of timeslots substantially simultaneously, determines a first unoccupied timeslot to schedule a current packet, and also determines a first occupied timeslot that contains a next packet to transmit.