초록 ▼

Network interface logic includes first logic executing a credit-based flow-control protocol (e.g., Quantum Flow Control or QFC) and second logic executing a rate-based flow control protocol (e.g. Explicit Rate or ER). The second logic transfers data cells between a network link and the first logic a

Network interface logic includes first logic executing a credit-based flow-control protocol (e.g., Quantum Flow Control or QFC) and second logic executing a rate-based flow control protocol (e.g. Explicit Rate or ER). The second logic transfers data cells between a network link and the first logic and inserts and extracts forward (FRM) and backward (BRM) flow-control/resource management (RM) cells. The second logic further (i) obtains cell buffer utilization information from the first logic, (ii) supplies transmission credits to the first logic based on rate information in BRM cells, (iii) induces the first logic to emit "dummy" RM cells when an RM cell is to be transmitted, and (iv) converts the dummy cells to either FRM or DRM cells for forwarding on the link. Rate information in the transmitted RM cells is calculated from the buffer utilization information and rate information in extracted BRM cells.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Network interface logic for use with a network link of either a first type or a second type, the first type of network link using a credit-based flow-control protocol, and the second type of network link using a rate-based flow-control protocol, the network interface logic comprising:first cell p

1. Network interface logic for use with a network link of either a first type or a second type, the first type of network link using a credit-based flow-control protocol, and the second type of network link using a rate-based flow-control protocol, the network interface logic comprising:first cell processing logic operative to receive cells from the network link and to emit cells for transmission on the network link according to the credit-based flow-control protocol; and second cell processing logic disposed between the network link and the first cell processing logic, the second cell processing logic being operative when the network link is of the first type to transfer flow-control cells between the network link and the first cell processing logic, and the second cell processing logic being operative when the network link is of the second type to (i) receive flow-control cells from the network and extend transmission credits to the first cell processing logic based on rate information contained in the received flow-control cells, and (ii) receive cell buffer status information from the first cell processing logic and generate and emit flow-control cells for transmission on the network link, the emitted flow-control cells. containing rate information calculated from the received cell buffer status information.