Abstract: Provided are a system and method for time-based scheduling in a communications environment. In one example, the method includes assigning at least one token to each of multiple active queues during a predefined period of time. Each token authorizes an amount of data to be dequeued from the queue. The method also includes waiting until the end of the predefined period of time before starting a new round of assigning. At least one of the queues is nominated based on the token assigned to the queue, where the nomination authorizes the dequeuing of the amount of data from the queue. The nomination is sent to a memory system to dequeue the data and send the data to a network uplink.

Abstract: A ring network is provided. The ring network includes a number of network elements, each including first and second switch fabrics. At least two uni-directional busses are coupled between the first and second switch fabrics. A number of ring segments are coupled between adjacent network elements to form first and second routes for transporting cells using virtual connections wherein, for each virtual connection, one route is the working route and the other route is the protection route. The first and second switch fabrics of each network element are associated with one of the first and second routes.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for time-based scheduling in a communications environment. In one example, the method includes assigning at least one token to each of multiple active queues during a predefined period of time. Each token authorizes an amount of data to be dequeued from the queue. The method also includes waiting until the end of the predefined period of time before starting a new round of assigning. At least one of the queues is nominated based on the token assigned to the queue, where the nomination authorizes the dequeuing of the amount of data from the queue. The nomination is sent to a memory system to dequeue the data and send the data to a network uplink.