Abstract: A first packet is sent via a network from a first network device to a first virtual device executing on a second network device. A first credit return is received, via the network, at the first network device. A first time duration is calculated as a time between the sending of the first packet and receipt of the first credit return. A second packet is sent via the network from the first network device to a second virtual device executing on the second network device. A second credit return is received at the first network device. A second time duration is calculated as a time between the sending of the second packet and receipt of the second credit return. Relative performance rankings are assigned to the first virtual device and the second virtual device based upon at least the first time duration and the second time duration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for alleviating congestion in a network system. In this method, the receipt of data packets destined for a destination apparatus is detected. Flow control signals are also received with each flow control signal corresponding to a data packet. Various time periods are tracked with each time period being between the detection of the receipt of a data packet and the receipt of tracked corresponding flow control signal. An average of the time periods is calculated and this average is compared to a threshold. One or more data packets are dropped in reference to the comparison.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for alleviating congestion in a network system. In this method, the receipt of data packets destined for a destination apparatus is detected. Flow control signals are also received with each flow control signal corresponding to a data packet. Various time periods are tracked with each time period being between the detection of the receipt of a data packet and the receipt of tracked corresponding flow control signal. An average of the time periods is calculated and this average is compared to a threshold. One or more data packets are dropped in reference to the comparison.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for controlling congestion in a network system. In this method, receipt of a data packet that is destined for a destination switching apparatus is detected. Subsequent to the detection of the data packet, a time that has elapsed while flow control is implemented by the destination switching apparatus is tracked. The data packet is dropped based on the elapsed time exceeding a predefined time period.