System and method for sending a packet to multiple destinations using a pipeline network processor
US7110404B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L12/2801
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a pipeline network processor, a multicast echo feature ensures that a copy of a packet is sent to all downstream ports associated with an upstream port that delivers the packet. The pipeline network processor maintains a table of header information that is stripped away upon reception in order to forward the packet to each appropriate downstream port. The pipeline network processor performs direct lookups to identify downstream ports associated with the upstream port over which the packet is received. A direct lookup is also performed to obtain the necessary header with which to forward the packet. A copy of the packet with the correct header is then sent to each identified downstream port.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.