Packetized security codes, parity exchange, relative hierarchical communication network and having a distributed routing through a modular switch with priority transmission scheme

摘要

An architecture, system, and method are provided for efficiently transferring packets of data across a structured communication network. The communication network is structured such that there are hierarchical levels of high-speed modules existing throughout the network. Distributed routing of packets is achieved by comparing identification numbers of only select modules with the destination addresses on a field-by-field basis. Not all fields need be compared at all modules. The routing operation between nodes or devices outside the structured network can therefore be achieved using a single mapping operation. An additional protocol or addressing domain specific to the structure is wrapped onto the incoming packet protocol using a series of read cycles to a memory which temporarily receives the incoming protocol. Thus, the structured network may include specific identification numbers assigned to each module separate and distinct from identification numbers of modules, nodes, or termination devices external to the structured network. Each packet may also be assigned a security code and a priority code as it enters the structured network.