Multi-service telecommunication switch

A system for balancing data flow within a network switch, comprising:

• a service card for processing a plurality of packets;
• a first timing module comprising an input interface and an output interface, the input interface of the first timing module being in communication with the service card over a first plurality of links for transferring the packets between the service card and the first timing module;
• a second timing module comprising an input interface and an output interface, the input interface of the second timing module being in communication with the service card over a second plurality of links for transferring the packets between the service card and the second timing module thereby providing a redundant functionality for the first timing module;
• and
• a processor in communication with the first timing module and the second timing module, the processor controlling data flow between the first timing module input and output interfaces and between the second timing module input and output interfaces by balancing the transfer of the plurality of packets between the first plurality of links and the second plurality of links depending on the integrity of the first and second pluralities of links.

A system for enabling chassis stacking in a rack system, comprising:

• a fabric comprising:
• a first plurality of bi-directional fabric interfaces for transmitting and receiving a plurality of packets;
• and
• a second plurality of bi-directional fabric interfaces for transmitting and receiving the plurality of packets;
• and
• a plurality of chassis, each of the plurality of chassis comprising:
• a first stack timing module comprising a bi-directional data interface being in communication with one of the first plurality of fabric interfaces over a first plurality of links for transferring the plurality of packets between the first stack timing module and the fabric;
• and
• a second stack timing module comprising a bi-directional data interface being in communication with one of the second plurality of fabric interfaces over a second plurality of links for transferring the plurality of packets between the second stack timing module and the fabric.