Method and apparatus for re-ordering data packets in a network environment

摘要

The invention provides a method and apparatus for re-ordering data traffic units, such as IP data packets, that may have been miss-ordered during a transmission over a multi-pathway link between a source node and a destination node in a network. The re-ordering apparatus includes a storage medium for intercepting the IP data packets and holding the IP data packets to allow IP data packets delayed on slower pathways to catch-up. The IP data packets in the storage medium are re-ordered based on their sequence number in an attempt to restore the original order of the IP data packets. A maximal time delay variable determines how long a certain IP data packet can be held in the storage medium. The TP data packet is released prior to the maximal time delay variable or as the maximal time delay variable is exceeded.