FPGA OFFLOAD MODULE AND PROCESSES FOR SEAMLESS FRAME-LEVEL SWITCHING OF MEDIA STREAMS IN REAL-TIME

摘要

This invention relates a field programmable gate array ("FPGA") offload module and process for frame-level switching of media streams in real-time. Previously, IP/Ethernet switches were not designed to switch IP streams on designated packet boundaries, or to align streams in preparation for IP switching. Embodiments of the present invention use a FPGA offload module and a process for seamless frame-level switching of media streams in real-time. Specifically, the FPGA offload module and process for seamless frame-level switching of media streams in real-time includes hardware offload at an IP/Ethernet switch port, supporting switch software to enable seamless switching, and supporting endpoint hardware and software to utilize seamless switching, thereby allowing video streams to be switched exactly between frames, and for switching losses to be recovered.