Packet switched multiple queue nxm switch node and processing method

Abstract

A packet switching node which processes data packets containing routing tag signals indicative of the output port destination thereof and which routes these data packets to the specified output ports. A plurality of queue selectors are individually coupled between a plurality of input ports and a plurality of queue sets that comprise a plurality of queues which store and forward data packets applied thereto as a function of output port destination. Each of the plurality of queue selectors sort the data packets applied thereto in accordance with the output port destination thereof. The queues of each queue sets are coupled to different output arbitrators which control routing to a particular output port. The packet switching node eliminates the problem of contention between data packets arriving at an input port of the node whose destinations are different output ports. The packet switching node sorts applied data packets according to output port destination to reduce contention and hence has improved performance and higher throughput. The present invention also contemplates a method of processing applied data packets containing routing tag signals indicative of the output port destinations to which the data packets are to be applied. The method comprises sorting and storing the data packets in accordance with the routing tag signals, arbitrating among data packets that have been stored that contend for the same output port, and then routing the selected data packet to the output port identified in the routing tag signal.