Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting a plurality of packets in a switch having a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports are disclosed. Two or more packets are received at one or more of the plurality of input ports. One of the plurality of output ports via which to send each of the two or more packets is identified. A request message is sent to an arbitrator. A grant message is then received from the arbitrator in response to the request message. A frame including the two or more received packets is generated. The frame is then sent to the one of the plurality of output ports when the grant message is received.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing arbitration to coordinate the sending of a plurality of packets or frames received at one or more input ports for transmission by one or more output ports are disclosed. One or more request messages are received from one or more of the input ports, each of the request messages indicating a request to send one or more packets or frames via one of the output ports. The arbitrator then determines whether the one of the output ports is capable of receiving the one or more packets or frames. A grant message is generated or sent when it is determined that the one of the output ports is capable of receiving the one or more packets or frames, the grant message indicating that the one of the output ports is capable of receiving the one or more packets or frames.