Arista Networks, Inc.
Method and network device for forwarding data packets

Abstract:

A method and network device for forwarding data packets. Specifically, the method and network device disclosed herein separate the known data packet forwarding architecture in network devices, often implemented using a single component, into two components. In implementing the pair of components, functionalities directed to forwarding data packets versus buffering data packets, based on the detection of data packet collisions, are segregated. Further, the segregation of these functionalities reduces the latency observed in the communication of the data packets from these network devices to other devices to which these network devices may be connected through a network.