Apparatus and method for dynamically limiting output queue size in a quality of service network switch

摘要

A method for sending a frame of data from a first channel to a second channel comprises reserving q of n available buffers of m total buffers to the first channel. A frame that is received from the first channel in i of the q buffers is stored and the status is changed to unavailable. The frame is selectively assigned to the second channel based on a number of the buffers j assigned to the second channel and a number of the buffers h neither reserved nor assigned to any channel, wherein i+j≦̸m and h+q≦̸n. The i buffers storing the frame are assigned to the second channel if the frame is assigned to the second channel. The status of the i buffers is changed to available if the frame is subsequently sent over the second channel.