Packet distributing apparatus and packet distributing method

Abstract

In a packet distributing apparatus and a packet distributing method which, in a situation in which a link can be allocated to a specific user or a specific traffic with priority, can effectively utilize any unoccupied link, a packet inputted via first through Nth the input interface circuitsthroughis provided by a transfer destination searching unitwith a transfer destination port and a transfer-admissible port. Then usage detecting unitsthroughcheck the usage of a transfer-admissible port matching the pertinent one of first through Nth output buffer unitsthrough, and distribute the packet to a transfer-admissible port bearing a less load than a prescribed level (less loaded transfer-admissible port), such as an unloaded port. If there is no such less loaded transfer-admissible port, the packet is distributed to the transfer destination port for which it is destined in its own right. This arrangement makes it possible to utilize unoccupied ports and thereby to effectively utilize the links.