摘要 |
Meta-packets are used to more efficiently reassemble packets and to more efficiently conduct other packet processing operations. The meta-packets are special types of packets which are interpreted by hardware in a queuing system. Instead of directly containing data, the meta-packet packets contain instructions for building a desired packet from various identifiable storage locations in the packet processor system. Because the reassembled packet replaces the meta-packet, packet ordering is preserved. For example, assuming the meta-packet was in the proper place in a packet sequence, the packet (or packets) replacing the meta-packet will also be maintained in the same packet sequence order. Both meta-packets and conventional packets can be processed using the same queues and queuing system, and can be freely inter-mixed allowing co-existence of reassembled and full packets. The meta-packets provide packet re-assembly capability to full-packet systems and increase scalability for both full-packet or scatter-gather systems. The meta-packets can be used for conducting other packet processing operations either separately or in combination with packet re-assembly. For example, the meta-packets can be used to help manage packet queuing operations, provide timing references, and to initiate other packet processing operations and commands.
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