Abstract: A system coupled between at least one input port and at least one output port comprises at least one queue, each queue being identified by a QID and operable to receive and buffer data in at least one service flow from the at least one input port. The system further comprises a predetermined at least one token allocated to each queue, each token indicative whether a predetermined amount of data may be dequeued from a queue and transmitted to the output port. The system comprises at least one group of queues where each queue in the group has a subordinate QID identifying a subordinate queue in the group having a lower priority for reallocating unused tokens. The at least one output port receives at least one output flow comprising the dequeued data from the at least one queue.

Abstract: A system coupled between at least one input port and at least one output port comprises at least one queue, each queue being identified by a QID and operable to receive and buffer data in at least one service flow from the at least one input port. The system further comprises a predetermined at least one token allocated to each queue, each token indicative whether a predetermined amount of data may be dequeued from a queue and transmitted to the output port. The system comprises at least one group of queues where each queue in the group has a subordinate QID identifying a subordinate queue in the group having a lower priority for reallocating unused tokens. The at least one output port receives at least one output flow comprising the dequeued data from the at least one queue.

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: Provided are a system and method for transferring management channel information (inband or using path overhead) over a synchronous optical network (SONET). In one example using inband management information, the method includes encapsulating management information in an internet protocol (IP) packet and encapsulating the IP packet in an Ethernet frame. The Ethernet frame is tagged with a management tag to differentiate the frame from the data traffic sent via the network.

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.