Cell based data transfer with dynamic multi-path routing in a full mesh network without central control

摘要

The present invention relates to computing apparatus as an element of a network structure using a method for acquiring and maintaining cell locked data transfer amongst a number of computing apparatuses which can be full mesh interconnected by full duplex data transfer links. A predefined number of symbols transmitted as a cell is followed by a variable number of idle symbols to ensure the nominally simultaneous start of the cell transfers throughout the network without a central control. At specific positions of the cells each computing apparatus broadcasts a list of its transmission requests and receiver capabilities to all other computing apparatuses. Each of the interconnected computing apparatuses executes the same arbitration procedure based on the identical data set of transmission requests and receiver capabilities. As a result transmission paths are assigned for direct transmission and for payload forwarding. The transmission paths can be assigned per cell period individually for both directions of each link. Several packet protocols assigned over the cell transmission layer can coexist in the network.