Packet based switch with destination updating

摘要

A switch (14) that transfers a packet (264) includes a plurality of ports (28) and a switch control system (63) that is electrically connected to the ports (28) and that controls the flow of data through the switch (14). The packet (264) includes a destination vector (215) having one or more original destinations (268). The switch control system (63) receives the destination vector (215) and allows the destination vector (215) to be dynamically updated. For example, the control system (63) can allow the destination vector to be dynamically updated during the transmission of the packet to the one or more original destinations (268). The control system (63) can allow one or more added destinations (268B) to be added to the destination vector (215) and/or the control system (63) can allow one or more of the original destinations (268) to be removed from the destination vector (215) with minimal, if any, influence on performance.