Network switch with a multiple bus structure and a bridge interface for transferring network data between different buses
US6430626B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S370/911
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A network switch includes a plurality of first network ports coupled to a first bus, a plurality of second network ports coupled to a second bus, a bridge interface enabling data transfer between the buses, a switch manager controlling the flow of network data, and a processor for performing supervisory and control functions. The first and second network ports operate according to different network protocols, and the first and second buses operate according to different bus standards. During packet data transfers across the first bus, the bridge interface emulates a first network port. During packet data transfers across the second bus, the bridge interface primarily acts as a slave to the second network ports by storing control lists for execution by the second network ports, thus relieving the processor of performing overhead functions associated with data transfers across the second bus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.