Abstract: A network or other type of processor operates to switch packets from an incoming cell stream to an outgoing cell stream. Each received and transmitted cell in a cell stream includes portions of packets, or complete packets or both. Packets are reassembled from incoming cells, and outgoing cells may be created from portions of packets, complete packets or both. The packets in the outgoing cells may be from incoming packets, switched reassembled packets or both. Each incoming and outgoing cell is associated with one virtual channel, and each virtual channel for an outgoing cell may be different from the virtual channel corresponding to the incoming cell or cells from which a packet was reassembled. Switched packets also may have their conversation identifications changed. Partial packets or partial cells that are awaiting completion are retained such that switching capabilities associated with the virtual channel and channel identification modifications may be used.

Abstract: A network or other type of processor operates to switch packets from an incoming cell stream to an outgoing cell stream. Each received and transmitted cell in a cell stream includes portions of packets, or complete packets or both. Packets are reassembled from incoming cells, and outgoing cells may be created from portions of packets, complete packets or both. The packets in the outgoing cells may be from incoming packets, switched reassembled packets or both. Each incoming and outgoing cell is associated with one virtual channel, and each virtual channel for an outgoing cell may be different from the virtual channel corresponding to the incoming cell or cells from which a packet was reassembled. Switched packets also may have their conversation identifications changed. Partial packets or partial cells that are awaiting completion are retained such that switching capabilities associated with the virtual channel and channel identification modifications may be used.

Abstract: A non-blocking crossbar for packet based networks and a method of operation thereof. In one embodiment, the non-blocking crossbar includes: (1) n inputs, n numbering at least two, (2) n outputs, each of the outputs having a destination first-in, first-out buffer (FIFO) and n crossbar FIFOs interposing corresponding ones of the n inputs and the destination FIFO, and (3) a scheduler configured to cause a packet to be transmitted from one of the inputs toward one of the outputs only when both the destination FIFO associated therewith and an interposing one of the crossbar FIFOs are available to contain the packet.