Abstract: Described embodiments provide a method of operating a network processor coupled to a network via a communication link. An input/output adapter receives a data packet. A classification module provides control values of the data packet to a statistics module. The statistics module determines (i) updatable statistics based on the control values, and (ii) an address of a statistics bin in a memory of the network processor corresponding to the statistics. Updated values of the statistics are stored at the corresponding address. Values at selected addresses are processed by a control processor of the network processor, generating traffic characteristics for the data packets. The control processor adjusts operation of the network processor based on the traffic characteristics.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide a method of operating a network processor coupled to a network via a communication link. An input/output adapter receives a data packet. A classification module provides control values of the data packet to a statistics module. The statistics module determines (i) updatable statistics based on the control values, and (ii) an address of a statistics bin in a memory of the network processor corresponding to the statistics. Updated values of the statistics are stored at the corresponding address. Values at selected addresses are processed by a control processor of the network processor, generating traffic characteristics for the data packets. The control processor adjusts operation of the network processor based on the traffic characteristics.

Abstract: The operation of a shadow processor for a system having redundant controllers is arranged so that it receives a FIFO fill indicator from another shadow processor associated with that one of the controllers that is in a standby mode, and, if the value of the indicator reaches a predetermined value, then the shadow processor throttles the data writing activity of the active controller for an amount of time sufficient to allow the other shadow processor time to unload the FIFO below a particular fill level.