Allocating buffers for data transmission in a network communication device

A network communication device for directing data units over a communication network, including:

• at least one input and output port connected to the communication network and arranged to receive and transmit data units;
• a plurality of buffer units divided into several sub-pools;
• and
• a buffer allocator for allocating buffer units between said sub-pools, said buffer allocator being arranged to determine a priority value for each sub-pool based on a quality of service parameter for each connection established at said at least one port;
• said buffer allocator being arranged to determine a utilization value of said at least one port, and said buffer allocator being also arranged to allocate buffer units for each sub-pool based on said priority value and based on said utilization value, wherein a minimal number of connections established at a most utilized port will suffer loss of data units while receiving said data units.

A computer-readable medium for use in a network communication device constructed for directing data units over a communication network, said network communication device including a plurality of buffer units divided into sub-pools, and at least one input and output port connected to a communication network and arranged to receive and transmit data units, said computer-readable medium including a representation of an algorithm for allocating buffer units between said sub-pools by the steps of:

• determining a priority value for each sub-pool based on a quality of service parameter for each connection established at said at least one port;
• determining a utilization value of said at least one port;
• and
• allocating buffer units for each sub-pool based on said priority value and based on said utilization value, wherein a minimal number of connections established at a most utilized port will suffer loss of data units while receiving said data units.