PACKET/FAST PACKET SWITCH FOR VOICE AND DATA

摘要

A network interface architecture for a packet/fast packet switch is described. This architecture provides for the combination of both voice and data in a single switch using a common packet structure. It allows for the dynamic allocation of bandwidth based on system loading. This includes not only bandwidth within the voice or data areas of the frame, but also between the voice and data portions. The network interface (105) provides a means (101) of passing all packets through the Network Interface (105) or allowing the packet devices to directly transfer packets between one another. The bandwidth allocation can easily be changed because the control and data memories are synchronized to one another. The architecture allows for the data packets and the control of bandwidth allocation to be controlled by a single switching device. It synchronizes the transfer of the data and the allocation of bus bandwidth. The control of the packet devices can be controlled at a very high bit rate such as 40 Mbps. It allows packet devices to directly transfer packets. It allows for easy re-allocation of bandwidth through the use of the NI Base Registers.