Cisco Technology, Inc.

Adrian Evans

Earl T Cohen

John Joseph Williams, Jr

Mohammed Ismael Tatar

James Alexander Markevitch

Cedrik K Begin

John Williams

Meta-packets are used to more efficiently reassemble packets and to more efficiently conduct other packet processing operations. The meta-packets are special types of packets which are interpreted by hardware in a queuing system. Instead of directly containing data, the meta-packet packets contain instructions for building a desired packet from various identifiable storage locations in the packet processor system. Because the reassembled packet replaces the meta-packet, packet ordering is preserved.

Method and apparatus for using meta-packets in a packet processing system

An apparatus including a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC, and an interface coupling the first IC to the second IC. The interface transfers payload control information between the first IC and the second IC utilizing a number of data transmission lines. On the clock cycle transition following the transfer of payload control information, the interface transfers packetized data between the first IC and the second IC at a data rate of at least approximately 20 Gbps utilizing the same transmission lines. A one-bit control signal is used by the interface to identify when payload control information is present on all of the data transmission lines.

System packet interface

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Ottawa, Canada

Adrian Evans