HIGH SPEED ROUTER-SWITCH

摘要

A combination router and switch is disclosed which can process packet data, such as IP, and cell based data, such as ATM, through a single device. In this manner, routing of packets can be performed more quickly because they are not passed through an accompanying switch before routing. Non-routing data can by-pass the router entirely. Additionally, on-the-fly routing can be used to route and transmit packets, check for errors, and modify relevant portions of packets before an entire packet has been received. For IP over ATM, all of the cells do not have to be received and the packet reformed before it is routed to a next hop. Dynamic routing can be used to by-pass filed links.