Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pseudo-random hardware resource allocation through a plurality of hardware elements. In an embodiment, resource list entries are configured to each identify one hardware element of the plurality of hardware elements. Index list entries are configured to each identify one resource list entry. An index list pointer is set to identify a first index list entry of the plurality of index list entries, and hardware resources are requested from a first hardware element of the plurality of hardware elements by identifying, using the index list pointer, the first index list entry; identifying, using the first index list entry, a first resource list entry; selecting the hardware element identified by the first resource list entry as the first hardware element; and sending a request for hardware resources to the first hardware element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pseudo-random hardware resource allocation through a plurality of hardware elements. In an embodiment, resource list entries are configured to each identify one hardware element of the plurality of hardware elements. Index list entries are configured to each identify one resource list entry. An index list pointer is set to identify a first index list entry of the plurality of index list entries, and hardware resources are requested from a first hardware element of the plurality of hardware elements by identifying, using the index list pointer, the first index list entry; identifying, using the first index list entry, a first resource list entry; selecting the hardware element identified by the first resource list entry as the first hardware element; and sending a request for hardware resources to the first hardware element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing channelized and unchannelized data within a signal are described. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving in a network element, data packets within a number of channels, wherein each of the number of channels are channelized or unchannelized, processing, in a protocol engine within the network element, the data packets within the number of channels that are channelized, and processing, in the protocol engine within the network element, the data packets within the number of channels that are unchannelized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data packets of differing protocols across different channels within signals are described. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving at least one signal, wherein the at least one signal includes a number of channels such that each of the number of channels can include different protocols and different configurations for the different protocols. The method also includes processing data packets in each of the number of channels in a predefined order.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data packets of differing protocols across different data channels and control channels within signals are described. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving at least one data signal, wherein the at least one data signal includes a number of channels. The number of channels includes data channels and control channels, such that each of the data channels can include different protocols and different configurations for the different protocols and such that the control channels includes control data for controlling the at least one data signal. Additionally, the method includes processing data packets in each of the number of channels in a predefined order.