| 主权项 |
1. A method to match a link between an output module and central modules of a three-stage memory-memory-memory (MMM) input-queued Clos-network (IQC) packet switch such that partitioned data is kept in sequence as the partitioned data is forwarded from one or more queues maintained at the output module to an output port coupled to the output module, the method comprising:
receiving a first request to match the link between the output module and a first central module from among the central modules, wherein the first request is associated with forwarding a first cell selected from among cells to a first queue maintained at the output module, the cells partitioned from data received at an input port of the three-stage MMM IQC packet switch and destined for the output port coupled to the output module, the cells forwarded toward the output port via an input module coupled to the central modules, the first request to include an indication of an age of the first cell; granting the first request based on the indication of the age of the first cell, wherein in response to receiving an acceptance of the grant of the first request, the link is matched between the output module and the first central module; receiving a second request to match the link between the output module and a second central module selected from among the central modules, wherein the second request is associated with forwarding a second cell to a second queue maintained at the output module, the second cell selected from among the cells partitioned from data received at the input port of the three-stage MMM IQC packet switch, the second request to include an indication of an age of the second cell; and granting the second request based on the indication of the age of the second cell, wherein in response to receiving an acceptance of the grant of the second request, the link is matched between the output module and the second central module. |
