Multiplex communications – Wide area network – Packet switching
Patent
1995-11-21
1999-04-06
Ray, Gopal C.
Multiplex communications
Wide area network
Packet switching
395312, 370369, G06F 1300
Patent
active
058929320
ABSTRACT:
There is shown an apparatus for switching. The apparatus for switching comprises L switching modules which switch packets, where L.gtoreq.2 and is an integer. In an embodiment, each of the L switching modules switch packets independent of any other switching module such that there is distributed switching of packets across the L switching modules. The apparatus also comprises an interconnection module which is connected to each of the L switching modules. The interconnection module that provides a passive backplane provides connectivity between the L switching modules. In an embodiment, the interconnection module provides space and time multiplexed connectivity between the L switching modules. In an other embodiment, the interconnection module is expandable without a priori knowledge of a final number of switching modules. In yet another embodiment, the interconnection module is reprogrammable in regard to connectivity between the L switching modules. The present invention pertains to a method for creating a switching apparatus. The method comprises the steps of connecting a first and at least a second switching module to an interconnection module. Next, there is the step of programming the interconnection module to create a desired connectivity between the first and second switching modules to the interconnection module. Then, there is the step of transferring a packet through the interconnection module and first and second switching modules. Then, there is the step of connecting at least one additional switching module to the interconnection module. Next, there is the step of reprogramming the interconnection module to create a desired connectivity between the first, second and third switching modules to the interconnection module. The present invention pertains to a method of directing a packet.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3890469 (1975-06-01), Kelly et al.
patent: 3999162 (1976-12-01), Le Roy
patent: 4058672 (1977-11-01), Crager et al.
patent: 4201890 (1980-05-01), Lawrence et al.
patent: 4901309 (1990-02-01), Turner
patent: 5113390 (1992-05-01), Hayashi et al.
patent: 5274782 (1993-12-01), Chalasani et al.
patent: 5351146 (1994-09-01), Chan et al.
patent: 5396638 (1995-03-01), Kanekura
patent: 5404537 (1995-04-01), Olnowich et al.
patent: 5440550 (1995-08-01), Follett
patent: 5455917 (1995-10-01), Holeman et al.
patent: 5530814 (1996-06-01), Wong et al.
patent: 5539621 (1996-07-01), Kikinis
FORE Systems, Inc.
Ray Gopal C.
Schwartz Ansel M.
LandOfFree
Reprogrammable switching apparatus and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Reprogrammable switching apparatus and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Reprogrammable switching apparatus and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1379678