Abstract:
A communications device, particularly but not exclusively for use with a routing circuit is arranged to transmit and receive message packets. It comprises an output buffer (42) which operates to convert data and flow control information into a plurality of bit sequences and to transmit them at a predetermined frequency. An input buffer is operable to decode incoming sequences into data items and flow control information. The input buffer (44) can store the data items and count them and transmit flow control information to the output buffer. A method of encoding the bit sequences as balanced six-bit codes is also described.
Abstract:
A routing switch (1) includes an input (4a) for receiving serial packets from a source node in a computer network, a plurality of outputs (6a...6n), switch circuitry (10) for selectively interconnecting said input to a selected one of said outputs and header reading circuitry (22) for reading the header portion of a packet received at the input prior to receiving all of the packet. The switch also has a random header generator (24) which produces header portions generated at random which are then read by the header reading circuitry. The header reading circuitry is coupled to the switch circuitry (10) to connect to said input one of said outputs in dependence on said random header. The random header portion is then discarded at the routing switch identified thereby to reveal the original header. There is also provided a computer network, having a plurality of computer devices and at least one routing switch, and a method of routing messages through such a network.
Abstract:
A routing switch (1) includes an input (4a) for receiving serial packets from a source node in a computer network, a plurality of outputs (6a...6n) each designating a respective range of destination node identifications, switch circuitry (10) for selectively interconnecting said input to a selected one of said outputs and header reading circuitry (22) for reading the header portion of a packet received at the input prior to receiving all of the packet. The header reading circuitry is coupled to the switch circuitry (10) to connect to said input one of said outputs having a node identification range including the node identification of said header portion. There is also provided a computer network, having a plurality of computer devices and at least one routing switch, and a method of routing messages through such a network.
Abstract:
A communications device, particularly but not exclusively for use with a routing circuit is arranged to transmit and receive message packets. It comprises an output buffer (42) which operates to convert data and flow control information into a plurality of bit sequences and to transmit them at a predetermined frequency. An input buffer is operable to decode incoming sequences into data items and flow control information. The input buffer (44) can store the data items and count them and transmit flow control information to the output buffer. A method of encoding the bit sequences as balanced six-bit codes is also described.
Abstract:
A routing switch (1) includes an input (4a) for receiving serial packets from a source node in a computer network, a plurality of outputs (6a...6n) each designating a respective range of destination node identifications, switch circuitry (10) for selectively interconnecting said input to a selected one of said outputs and header reading circuitry (22) for reading the header portion of a packet received at the input prior to receiving all of the packet. The header reading circuitry is coupled to the switch circuitry (10) to connect to said input one of said outputs having a node identification range including the node identification of said header portion. There is also provided a computer network, having a plurality of computer devices and at least one routing switch, and a method of routing messages through such a network.
Abstract:
A computer device comprises a processor (2) for executing a plurality of concurrent processes each comprising a sequence of instructions, memory (4) including RAM, at least one message link (10) having input and output pins (12) for connection to a device separate from said computer device and for transmitting message packets sequentially between the computer device and said separate device, and communication control circuitry (6) coupled to said processor, to said memory, and to said message link. The memory provides a plurality of addressable virtual communication links. The communication control circuitry is operable:
(i) in response to execution of a message instruction by said processor to address a selected one of said virtual communication links and load into the selected one information regarding the message to be effected via the virtual communication link; and (ii) to control sequential transmission through said one message link of message packets relating to a plurality of virtual communication links.
A network of such computer devices and a method of operation is also described. The provision of virtual links enables several messages to be multiplexed down a single message link of the microcomputer.
Abstract:
A routing switch (1) includes an input (4a) for receiving serial packets from a source node in a computer network, a plurality of outputs (6a...6n), switch circuitry (10) for selectively interconnecting said input to a selected one of said outputs and header reading circuitry (22) for reading the header portion of a packet received at the input prior to receiving all of the packet. The switch also has a random header generator (24) which produces header portions generated at random which are then read by the header reading circuitry. The header reading circuitry is coupled to the switch circuitry (10) to connect to said input one of said outputs in dependence on said random header. The random header portion is then discarded at the routing switch identified thereby to reveal the original header. There is also provided a computer network, having a plurality of computer devices and at least one routing switch, and a method of routing messages through such a network.