Multicasting network packets

摘要

Multicasting network packets is disclosed. A total number of copies of a frame, t, to be sent is determined. A number of copies of the frame, m, which is less than a total number of copies of the frame, t, to be made during a current iteration is determined. M copies of the frame are made. The m copies of the fr ame are then sent to their destinations. The original input frame is provided as output with an indication that the frame should be returned for further processing. Processing of the frame is discontinued during an interval in which other frames are proc essed. The process is repeated until t copies have been sent.