Apparatus and method for sharing memory using a single ring data bus connection configuration

摘要

Multiple network switches are configured having memory interfaces that transfer segmented packet data to each other via a unidirectional data bus ring connecting the network switches in a single ring or "daisy chain" arrangement. The memory interfaces are also configured for transferring the segmented packet data to respective local buffer memories for temporary storage. The memory interfaces transfer the data units according to a prescribed sequence, optimizing memory bandwidth by requiring only one read and one write operation to and from the local buffer memory for each segmented packet data being received and transmitted through the switches.