Data buffer prefetch apparatus and method

摘要

A prefetch apparatus optimizes bandwidth in a computer network by prefetch accessing data blocks prior to their demand in an ATM network thereby effectively reducing memory read latency. The method of the preferred embodiment includes the steps of: 1) computing a prefetch address of a next sequential data block given an address of a requested data block; 2) comparing a current request address against a previously computed prefetch address; and 3) generating a hit/miss indication corresponding to whether the current request address matches the previously computed prefetch address.