Importance

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Abstract

A network switch for transferring packets of information including a plurality of shared packet buffers for a plurality of network ports. The network switch includes a switch matrix for providing independent input and output data channels between any one of the packet buffers and any of the network ports. The network switch further includes a switch controller for controlling transfer of data packets between the network ports and the packet buffers. In this manner, all of the packet buffers are shared and accessible by any of the network ports through the switch matrix. Each of the packet buffers stores only one data packet at a time, although the packet buffers may also be expanded to store multiple packets. The switch matrix includes an input switch with inputs coupled to the network ports and outputs coupled to the packet buffers and programmable crosspoint connections. Furthermore the switch matrix includes an output switch with inputs coupled to the packet buffers and outputs coupled to the network ports and programmable crosspoint connections. A packet processor is also included for handling new address and for duplicating packets if multicast or broadcast.

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First Claim