Converting a network device from data rate traffic management to packet rate

An a network device that manages a flow rate of a stream of packets based on either a packet rate or a data rate of the stream, the apparatus comprising:

• a control circuit configured to hold an indication of whether the network device is in a packet rate mode or a data rate mode;
• a multiplexer configured to generate an effective length by selecting an actual length of each of the packets when the data rate mode is indicated and selecting a virtual length when the packet rate mode is indicated;
• and
• an traffic manager configured to receive the effective length and to manage, based thereon, the flow rate of the stream.

An apparatus adapted for converting a network device from managing a data rate of a stream of packets to managing a packet rate of the stream, the apparatus comprising:

• means adapted for receiving from the network device an actual length of each of the packets, and adapted for providing to the network device an effective length for the packet received;
• means for holding an indication of whether the network device is in a packet rate mode or a data rate mode;
• and
• means for selecting the actual length as the effective length when the data rate mode is indicated and for selecting a virtual length as the effective length when the packet rate mode is indicated.

A network device for managing a flow rate of a stream of packets based on either a packet rate or a data rate of the stream, the apparatus comprising:

• means for holding an indication of whether the network device is in a packet rate mode or a data rate mode;
• means for selecting the actual length as the effective length when the data rate mode is indicated and for selecting a virtual length as the effective length when the packet rate mode is indicated;
• and
• means for managing the flow rate of the stream based on the effective length.

A method of adapting a network device from managing a data rate of a stream of packets to managing a packet rate of the stream, the method comprising:

• holding an indication of whether the network device is in a packet rate mode or a data rate mode;
• receiving from the network device an actual length for each of the packets;
• selecting, for each packet received, the actual length as an effective length when the data rate mode is indicated and selecting a virtual length as the effective length when the packet rate mode is indicated;
• and
• providing the effective length to the network device.

Computer readable media containing instructions that, when the instructions are executed by a system, control a process comprising:

• holding an indication of whether the network device is in a packet rate mode or a data rate mode;
• receiving from the network device an actual length for each of the packets;
• selecting, for each packet received, the actual length as an effective length when the data rate mode is indicated and selecting a virtual length as the effective length when the packet rate mode is indicated;
• and
• providing the effective length to the network device.