NETWORK PROCESSOR HAVING MULTICASTING PROTOCOL

摘要

An network processor is described that is configured to multicast multiple data packets to one or more engines. In one or more implementations, the network processor includes an input/output adapter configured to parse a plurality of tasks. The input/output adapter includes a multicast module configured to determine a reference count value based upon a maximum multicast value of the plurality of tasks. The input/output adapter is also configured to set a reference count decrement value within the control data portion of the plurality of tasks. The reference count decrement value is based upon the maximum multicast value. The input/output adapter is also configured to decrement the reference count value by a corresponding reference count decrement value upon receiving an indication from an engine.

主权项

1. A network processor comprising:
an input/output adapter configured to parse a plurality of tasks, the plurality of tasks including a control data portion and a data portion, the input/output adapter comprising a multicast module configured to: determine a reference count value based upon a maximum multicast value of the plurality of tasks; set a reference count decrement value within the control data portion of the plurality of tasks, the reference count decrement value based upon the maximum multicast value; and decrement the reference count value by a corresponding reference count decrement value upon receiving an indication from an engine, the indication representing the engine has completed operations on at least one of the plurality of tasks, the indication including the reference count decrement value.