Abstract: An architecture, system and method are provided for efficiently transferring packets of data across a communication network. The communication network is structured such that there are hierarchical levels of high speed switches existing throughout the network. Distributed routing of packets is achieved by comparing identification numbers of only select switches with the destination address on a field-by-field basis. Not all fields need be compared at all switches. Once routing is achieved within the structured network, transfer to a destination termination device occurs through a single look-up table only when departing the network if multiple termination devices are present at that exit node. The routing operation between termination devices can therefore be achieved using a single mapping operation (if more than one termination device must be selected) and is backward compatible with devices external to the network and protocols used by those devices.

Abstract: Architectures, systems, and methods are provided for securing and prioritizing packets of data sent through a communication network. Each packet is assigned a security code and priority code as it enters the network. The security code or priority code may remain the same or change as it travels from node-to-node across the network. By assigning security and priority codes to each packet, maximum bandwidth allocation can be achieved among the nodes in a packet-switched environment. The assigned security and priority codes enter and travel through the network according to modules which have a hierarchical class or grouping. Thus, the security and priority information may be sent solely within one class or among classes depending on where, within the classes the data path exists.

Abstract: An architecture, system and method are provided for efficiently transferring packets of data across a communication network. The communication network is structured such that there are hierarchical levels of high speed switches existing throughout the network. Distributed routing of packets is achieved by comparing identification numbers of only select switches with the destination address on a field-by-field basis. Not all fields need be compared at all switches. Once routing is achieved within the structured network, transfer to a destination termination device occurs through a single look-up table only when departing the network if multiple termination devices are present at that exit node. The routing operation between termination devices can therefore be achieved using a single mapping operation (if more than one termination device must be selected) and is backward compatible with devices external to the network and protocols used by those devices.