OUTPUT SCHEDULING AND HANDLING OF MULTICAST TRAFFIC IN DATA SWITCHING SYSTEMS

摘要

A method and apparatus to support multicast communications in a packet-basedswitchingsystem. The method recycles the multicast cell address as many times asnecessary within the outputcard of a data switching system, which accommodates multiple output ports,thereby avoiding thecomplex processing required to generate copies of the cell or the celladdress. This permits efficientand scalable implementation of multicast traffic scheduling at outputports/cards of a switch/router,and is particularly suitable for use in resource-constrained environment, suchas satellite on-boardpacket switching systems.