Method and apparatus for multiplexing bytes over parallel communications

Abstract

A communication technique for transmitting packet data over parallel communication sublinks coupled to a processor unit is provided. Initially, a method receives a packet of data from a first communication link which is coupled to a set of sublinks. The method distributes packets over each of the sublinks utilizing a unique byte-by-byte (BBB) striping technique. Logically, the data bytes associated with each sublink are collected into a slice of data and each set of slices are given a unique predetermined label. Each slice is then synchronously transmitted at the aggregate bandwidth of each sublink in parallel across each corresponding sublink to a receiver. A receiver receives the slices of data from the set of sublinks and aggregates the bandwidth of these two or more communication sublinks into a single communication link. Unless there are errors, a packet is transmitted in order using multiple slices. The system recreates the original packet of data from sets of slices having the same unique label. Specifically, the system uses the byte-by-byte striping technique to extract the appropriate bytes of information from each slice received over the parallel sublinks based upon a predetermined sublink sequence corresponding to the labels. This technique is advantageous in that it provides an optimal balance between preserving packet order and conserving network resources.