Multi-purpose switching network interface controller

摘要

A network interface controller includes a plurality of scatter gather circuits ( 104 a- 104 d) connectable to a host via a bus ( 101 ). A packet buffer ( 112 ) is configured for communication with the scatter gather circuits ( 104 a- 104 d). A plurality of access circuits ( 110 a- 110 d) are configured to access external network connections. An optional forwarding engine ( 108 ) is selectable to generate routing information corresponding to data received via the access circuits ( 110 a- 110 d) and to provide the routing information to the packet buffer ( 112 ).