Importance

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Abstract

A queuing system (230) stores a package (246) derived from an ATM cell, the package including an internal interface header (IIH) and either an ATM cell payload or an AAL2 packet. The queuing system comprises a queue (312, 320) for storing the package, as well as a processor which executes plural functions. A time stamping function applies a time stamp upon storage of the package in the queue. The time stamping function can apply the time stamp to a package as replacement of the internal interface header. A time stamp checking function uses the time stamp to make a determination whether the tenure of the package in the queue is longer than permissible. The time stamp checking function can make the tenure determination in conjunction with a potential readout of the package from the queue. Alternatively, time stamp checking function can make the tenure determination when invoked by a queue monitoring function which monitors a fill level of the queue (e.g., when a queue fill level exceeds a threshold). A discard function is provided for discarding the package if the tenure of the package in the queue is longer than permissible.

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First Claim