Managing flow control buffer

An apparatus comprising:

• a data source;
• a memory buffer in communication with the data source and storing a queue;
• and
• circuitry configured to
• maintain a count of data segments, the count including data segments in the queue and data segments in transit between the data source and the queue;
• and
• control a flow of data segments from the data source, based on a value of the count.

A system comprising:

• a first buffer;
• a processor having a data pipeline in communication with the first buffer;
• a second buffer in communication with the processor and storing a queue;
• one or more communication lines in communication with the first buffer;
• a switch fabric in communication with the second buffer;
• and
• circuitry configured to
• maintain a count of data segments, the count including data segments in the queue and data segments in transit between a data source and the queue;
• and
• control a flow of data segments from the data source, based on a value of the count.

A processor comprising:

• a data pipeline configured to communicate with a data source;
• and
• circuitry configured to
• maintain a count of data segments, the count including data segments in a queue and data segments in transit between the data source and the queue;
• and
• control a flow of data segments from the data source, based on a value of the count.