초록 ▼

A packet switching communication network (10) includes a number of switching nodes (16). The switching nodes include a switch (18) and at least one data processor (20). When selected packets (34), as identified by routing codes (40), arrive at one of the switching nodes (16), they are passed (58) to

A packet switching communication network (10) includes a number of switching nodes (16). The switching nodes include a switch (18) and at least one data processor (20). When selected packets (34), as identified by routing codes (40), arrive at one of the switching nodes (16), they are passed (58) to the data processor (20). The data processor (20) is configured to perform a network processing function, such as packet broadcasting (74) or error correction (60). In performing these functions, user data (38) conveyed by the selected packets (34) are processed to generate processed packets. The processed packets are re-introduced to the switch (18) and routed onto their destinations.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A network packet switching node for switching packets which convey data and routing codes while selectively performing at least one non-switching network processing function on said data conveyed by selected ones of said packets, said node comprising:a switching fabric ha

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A network packet switching node for switching packets which convey data and routing codes while selectively performing at least one non-switching network processing function on said data conveyed by selected ones of said packets, said node comprising:a switching fabric having a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports;a plurality data processors, each having an input coupled to one of said switching fabric output ports and each having an output coupled to one of said switching fabric input ports; anda controller coupled to said switching fabric to evaluate said routing codes and, when said routing codes command performance of said at least one network processing function, cause said switching fabric to route said selected packets which convey said routing codes that command performance of said at least one network processing function to a selected one data processor of said plurality of data processors, andwherein said controller is configured to select, when said routing codes command performance of said at least one network processing function, the selected one data processor of said plurality of data processors to route said selected packets.