Packet memory processing system having memory buffers with different architectures and method therefor
AssigneeElliptic Semiconductor Inc.
InventorsMichael Bowler, Neil Hamilton, Michael Borza
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An architecture for use in packet processing and supporting compatibility with current BSD implementations for packet processing is proposed wherein two MBUF formats are supported. A first format includes a header portion and a data portion for storing data therein. A second format includes a header portion but is absent a data portion and is for addressing data stored within a cluster and external to the MBUF itself.
Claims19
A memory buffer architecture for use in accordance with a BSD networking implementation comprising:
- a first MBUF format including a control portion and a data portion, the first MBUF format for use where data is to be stored within the MBUF;
- and,
- a second MBUF format including a control portion and absent a substantial data portion, the second MBUF format for use in indexing data within a cluster.
A storage device comprising data stored therein, the data for resulting in implementation of an integrated circuit design including circuitry for allocating
- a first MBUF format including a control portion and a data portion, the first MBUF format for use where data is to be stored within the MBUF;
- and,
- a second MBUF format including a control portion and absent a substantial data portion, the second MBUF format for use in indexing data within a cluster,
- the MBUFs including pointer data memory locations within a control portion thereof for being arranged in a linked list.
A method of packet processing comprising:
- storing packet data within a linked list, the linked list including MBUFs linked together an MBUF of the linked MBUFs addressing data within a cluster external to said MBUF, wherein said MBUF comprises a control portion absent a substantial data portion thereof, and wherein at least another MBUF of the linked MBUFs comprises a control portion and a data portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.