Method and apparatus for multiplexing and demultiplexing variable-length packets

A method of multiplexing variable-length packets, comprising:

• a step (a) in which a plurality of input buffers store gigabit Ethernet media access control (MAC) data which is input according to gigabit media independent interface (GMII);
• a step (b) in which a multiplexer monitor block determines an operating mode of each input buffer based on management and status information of gigabit Ethernet MAC data;
• a step (c) in which a selection controller generates a control signal for selecting one of the plurality of input buffers;
• and
• a step (d) in which a selection and conversion block sequentially selects the gigabit Ethernet MAC data in response to the control signal, converts the selected gigabit Ethernet MAC data into 10-gigabit media independent interface (XGMII) data, and outputs the XGMII data according to XGMII.

An apparatus for demultiplexing variable-length packets, comprising:

• a buffer and converter block for storing 10-gigabit media independent interface (XGMII) data that is input according to XGMII and converting the XGMII data into gigabit Ethernet media access control (MAC) data;
• a port selection block for transmitting the gigabit Ethernet MAC data from the buffer and converter block to a particular gigabit Ethernet output port;
• a port analysis and control block for analyzing the destination and the receiving condition of the gigabit Ethernet MAC data and selecting a gigabit Ethernet output port to which the gigabit Ethernet MAC data is to be transmitted;
• a demultiplexer monitor block for determining whether each of gigabit Ethernet output ports operates in a full duplex mode or a half duplex mode and informing the port analysis and control block of the result of determination;
• and
• a plurality of output buffers for storing the gigabit Ethernet data received via the port selection block and outputting it.

A method of demultiplexing variable-length packets, comprising:

• a step (a) in which a buffer and converter block stores 10-gigabit media independent interface (XGMII) data that is input according to XGMII and converts the XGMII data into a gigabit Ethernet media access control (MAC) data;
• a step (b) in which a port analysis and control block analyzes the destination and the receiving condition of the gigabit Ethernet MAC data and selects a gigabit Ethernet output port to which the gigabit Ethernet MAC data is to be transmitted;
• a step (c) in which a demultiplexer monitor block determines whether each of gigabit Ethernet output ports operates in a full duplex mode or a half duplex mode and informs the port analysis and control block of the result of determination;
• a step (d) in which a port selection block transmits the gigabit Ethernet MAC data from the buffer and converter block to a particular gigabit Ethernet output port;
• and
• a step (e) in which a plurality of output buffers for storing the gigabit Ethernet data received via the port selection block and outputting it.