| 摘要 |
A classification mechanism (202) automatically aligns time-sensitive data streams to sequences (schedules), according to information in the packets or other information and classification criteria specified by a human network administrator, a sequence agent, an application program or otherwise. When a packet arrives at a first sequence-aware switch (212) along a path, the packet is aligned to a new or existing sequence (208 or 214). When a new sequence is established, appointments are reserved at sequence-aware switches along the path. The packet is placed in a queue (208 or 214), based on its classification. When the packet reaches the head of the queue, at that queue'' appointment time, the switch forwards the packet along the path. If possible, appointments have been reserved at subsequent switches (204 or 206) along the packet's path, so the packet can be forwarded through the subsequent switches without delay. |
