Abstract: A data processing system includes a server which has a task scheduler for receiving task requests for access, and granting access to system resources based upon a multidimensional scheduling technique wherein groups of tasks are assigned a priority level within a priority scheme, and within each group round robin scheduling assures each task will have access to system resources in turn and a dynamically programmable technique for responding to requests from time-dependent isochronous requests for system resources.

Abstract: A multiport bridge includes a plurality of Bridge Port Frame Handler (BPFH) units coupled through a Source Routing bus and a Transparent Bridge Bus to a microcontroller, a Packet Memory and a Transparent Bridge Control Management System (TBCMS). Each Bridge Port Frame Handler unit receives Frames from its attached LAN, forwards selected portions of Source Routing Frames to other Bridge Port Frame Handler Units for further processing. Likewise, selected portions of Transparent Bridge Frames are forwarded to the TBCMS whereat routing information and signature information is extracted and returned to the forwarding BPFH unit for further processing.