Data path optimization algorithm

A method of preventing data misalignment of a data packet containing extra header bytes, said method comprising:

• receiving a cell of the data packet at an input port of a network device;
• detecting a header of a cell of the data packet;
• removing the header from the cell of the data packet;
• determining whether the cell of the data packet contains a multiple of a predetermined number of bytes after the header has been removed;
• inserting null bytes into the cell of the data packet to form a modified cell of the data packet if the counter determines that the cell of the data packet does not satisfy the multiple of the predetermined number of bytes;
• forwarding the modified cell of the data packet to an output port;
• and
• removing the null bytes from the modified cell of the data packet as the modified cell of the data packet exits the network device.

A network device configured to prevent data misalignment of a data packet containing extra header bytes, the network device comprising:

• receiving means for receiving a cell of the data packet at an input port of the network device;
• detecting means for detecting a header of a cell of the data packet;
• header removing means for removing the header from the cell of the data packet;
• determining means for determining whether the cell of the data packet contains a multiple of a predetermined number of bytes after the header has been removed;
• inserting means for inserting null bytes into the packet to form a modified cell of the data packet if the counter determines that the cell of the data packet does not satisfy the multiple of the predetermined number of bytes;
• forwarding means for forwarding the modified cell of the data packet to an output port;
• and
• null byte removing means for removing the null bytes from the modified cell of the data packet as the modified cell of the data packet exits the network device.