(38/03/98
`
`MON 08:24 FAX 817 4‘
`
`1313
`
`WSGSzH
`
`.003
`
`
`
`MMLW W
`
`:44 a},
`
`LN THE UNITED STATES PATENT ANQ TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`In re application
`Application No.
`Filed
`For
`
`Examiner
`Attorney's Docket
`
`:
`:
`:
`:
`
`:
`:
`
`Christopher P. Lawler et al.
`08/927,336
`V
`September 11, 1997
`HIGH SPEED CACHE MANAGEMENT UNIT FCR USE
`IN A BRIDGE/ROUTER
`
`SYNER—llBXX
`
`Group Art Unit:
`
`at ?5’6
`2451
`
`V******i‘******i***‘£**********»1f***-k
`
`IE,
`
`I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with
`the United.States Postal Service as first class mail in an envelope
`addressed to:
`Box Non—Fee Amendment,
`istan
`o mieeioner for
`Patents, Washington, D.C. 20231 on
`/
`__.
`
`By W
`Gordon R. Mo arty
`Registration 0. 38,973
`Attorney for Applicant(e)'
`it'ki'irti-i‘ii:*tifiti**ii*i¢*****i***t+
`
`PEELIMINARY AQENDMENT
`
`Box Non—Fee Amendment
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D‘C.
`20231
`
`‘Sir:
`
`Please preliminarily amend
`
`the
`
`above—identified patent
`
`lic t'on as follo s:
`a
`03/10/1993 SKEW omoaooelaaoaM .05927335 w
`01 FC:202
`41.00 CH
`02 FD:203
`65.00 CH
`
`wamz‘ren. scuuzcm
`WNEHIN & HAVE LLI’
`men; mam
`FAX (617) Isl-0313
`
`UNIFIED 1015
`
`1
`
`UNIFIED 1015
`
`

`

`08/03/98
`
`MON 08:25 FAX 617 4'
`
`L
`
`3313
`
`wscw
`
`004
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 1957
`Group Art Unit:
`a3512?flé
`
`IN THE DETAILED DESCRLPTION
`
`Please amend the Detailed Description as follows:
`
`On page 1,/l;;;/;;l replace “harware” with —-hardware— .
`
`On page 37’1IEE‘30, replace “permits" with ~~enables——,
`
`On page/Z,/lifiév31, replace the second occurrence of “DAS”
`with —-SAs——. /////
`
`On page 12,
`
`line 23, after the period,
`
`insert the following
`
`new sentence:
`
`
`
`
`
`——To avoid confusion in the drawing, not all
`
`Q§
`
`communication paths are illustrated in Fig. 3? the accowpanying
`text defines those paths‘~—
`
`On page 1 ,
`line 19, replace “26“ with ——28-—.
`
`On page laffline 17, replace “of” with e—or—-.
`On page 2cT/Ilae 5, replace “transit" with ~—transmit-—_
`
`on page 2&T’Iines 11 and 13, replace “learn” with
`
`-~learned——.
`
`WENGArrEN. SCHURG‘N.
`EAGBEEIN a HAYES LLP
`TEL 06") 54m
`FAX(61'D 451-0313
`
`2
`
`

`

`08/03/98 MON 08:25 FAX 617 4?
`
`1313
`
`WSG&H
`
`.005
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 139'?
`Group Art Unit: man—2s
`
`IN THE CLAIMS
`
`Please add the following new claims 2—26:
`M
`
`2.
`
`A method of forwarding a data unit through
`
`network element
`
`having a cache comprised of plural
`
`rows,
`
`ch having' plural
`
` respective entries,
`
`the method comprising the’steps of:
`
`a
`
`5
`
`6
`7
`
`8
`
`%f 9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`17
`
`1
`2
`
`receiving said data unit at said netwo k element;
`
`parsing said data unit for address 1 formation;
`
`
`encoding said received address info 'ation;
`using said received, encoded addre s information to identify
`
`one of said cache rows;
`
`said identified row;
`
`
`tion from a first entry of
`retrieving first address infor
`
`
`received address information;
`
`comparing said retrieved firs address information with said
`/
`
`retrieving second.address i formation from said first entry of
`
`said.identified row if said.ret ieved first address information and
`
`
`said received address inform ion are equal; and
`
`using said retrieved seiond address information for forvarding
`said data unit.
`
`/
`further comprising the steps of
`The method. of claim 2,
`3.
`retrieving first addre s
`information from a subsequent ertry of
`
`WEMAR‘I’EN, SCHURGIN‘
`GAGNEBIN a HAYES LLP
`TEL (6|?) 512-12!)
`FAX (617) 151-0313
`
`_3i
`
`3
`
`

`

`08/03
`
`/93 MON 08:25 FAX 517 4'
`
`1313
`
`WSG&H
`
`none
`
`,
`
`08/327. 536
`Application No. :
`Filed:
`September 11,_l9§?
`Group Art Unit: maxi-M
`
`said first entry and said rec
`
`ved address information are not
`
`
`
`equal,
`
`information, and using 5
`
`then repeating said omparing,
`
`
`retrieving second address
`
`4.
`
`The method of claim 3, wherein said step of encoding said
`
`receiVed address information further comprises cyclic redundancy
`
`encoding said receiVed address information‘
`
`m
`
`5.
`
`
`The method of
`
`claim 3,
`
`further comprising the Stap of
`
`packetizing said received,
`
`encoded address information with an
`
`indication of which of said plural entries is to be used first in
`
`said step of retrieving first address information.
`
`6.
`
`The method. of claiut 5, wherein. said step of packetizing
`
`further comprises referencing a usage tracking table to determine
`
`which of said plural entries is to be used first.
`
`7.
`
`The method of
`
`claimv 5, wherein said step of packetizing
`
`further comprises referencing a validity table to determine which
`
`of said plural entries is to be used first, said validity table
`
`providing an indication‘
`
`for each of said cache entries, whether
`
`said entry is enabled for providing said first and second address
`
`information.
`
`WEINAI‘TEH. EHURGlN.
`smmm LHAYES LLP
`TEL (El?) mm
`FAX (GI-h than!
`
`4
`
`

`

`08/03/98 MON 08:25 FAX 617 4’
`
`0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`@007
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11.
`i921
`Group Art Unit: waif-ӎ
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`a.
`
`A cache management unit of a data unit
`
`forwarding network
`
`device. comprising:
`
`an input register for receiving data unit header information
`
`including received source and destination address;
`
`a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) generator in communication with
`
`—
`
`said input register for executing a CRC algorithm on each of said
`
`received source and destination addresses from said input register
`
`to form respective CRC encoded addresses;
`
`‘
`
`an input packetizer in communication with said CRC generator
`
`10
`
`and said input register for formatting said CRC encoded addresses
`
`$22
`
`13
`
`1‘1
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`and for receiving said received source and destination addresses
`
`from said input register;
`
`a cache lockup unit and an associated cache in communi2ation
`
`with said input packetizer for searching said cache with said
`
`formatted CRC encoded addresses;
`
`an output packetizer in communication with said cache lockup
`
`unit for receiving and formatting retrieved source and destination
`
`address information from said cache; and
`
`an
`
`output
`
`register
`
`in communication with
`
`said output
`
`packetizer
`
`for
`
`receiving said.-fiormatted retrieved source and
`
`destination address information.
`
`9.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said input
`
`register is further for receiving an identifier of a received data
`
`WEINCAETEH‘ SCHURGIVI.
`museum In HAYFJ LLP
`nmmnaanm
`nxmmAHmn
`
`5
`
`

`

`08/03/98 MON 08:25 FAX 617 4'
`
`“131.3
`
`WSG&H
`
`Inns
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11.
`l9§7
`Group Art Unit :
`215a ’1 the
`
`unit protocol, and wherein said input packetizer formats said CRC
`
`encoded addresses with said protocol identifier.
`
`10.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said cache
`
`lockup unit comprises
`
`a cache lockup queue
`
`for storing said
`
`_*
`
`formatted CRC encoded addresses
`
`11.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said cache
`
`lockup unit comprises a cache lockup controller for searching; said
`cache with said formatted CRC encoded addresses.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said cache is
`12.
`provided as plural
`rows each having plural entries, each entry
`
`comprising an address value and an associated data value.
`
`13‘
`
`”The cache management unit of claim 12, wherein said cache
`
`lockup controller is adapted for identifying a row of said cache
`
`using said CRC encoded addresses.
`
`14.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 12, wherein said cache
`
`lockup controller is adapted for comparing one of said received
`
`' source and destination addresses to said address value of at least
`
`one of ‘said plural entries of said identified cache row, and if
`
`said comparison generates a first value, returning said associated
`
`%\
`
`3
`
`4
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`1
`
`2
`3
`
`l
`2
`
`3
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`ID
`
`5
`
`wanna-mu. xuuncm.
`GAGNEBIN a “AYE LLP
`TEL em sum
`FAX (6m 451-0313
`
`6
`
`

`

`08/03/98
`
`MON 08:26 FAX 617 4’
`
`0313
`
`WSGSCH
`
`noes
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 1997
`Group Art Unit: 2454118
`
`6
`
`7
`
`1
`
`2
`
`data value as one of said retrieved source and destination address
`
`information.
`
`15.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 12,
`
`further comprising a
`
`usage tracking table associated with said input packetizer for
`
`3H‘ maintaining an ordered list, for each_of said plural rows, of which
`
`of said plural entries is to be searched first upon receipt by said
`
`cache lookup unit of a CRC encoded address, said input packutizer
`
`for addressing said usage trackingttable using one of said CRC
`
`encoded addresses.
`
`16.
`
`validity table
`
`The cache management unit of claim 15, further comprising a
`
`associated with
`
`said
`
`input
`
`packetizer
`
`for
`
`maintaining an indication, for each of said entries of said cache
`
`whether said data value of the respective entry is to be compared
`
`to said CRC encoded.addresses, said input packetizer for addressing
`
`said validity table using one of said CRC encoded addresses;
`
`The cache management unit of claim 16, further comprising an
`17.
`I/O register for
`interfacing said cadhe management unit
`to an
`
`external processor,
`
`said I/O register
`
`for enabling processor
`
`configuration of said.CRC generator, said usage tracking tabLe, and
`
`said validity table.
`
`%?
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`1
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`WEINGAET‘EH. SCHURGIN.
`0mm". l HAYES LLF
`TEL (am sum
`FA! «.11; man:
`
`7
`
`

`

`
`08/03/98 MON 08:26 FAX 617 4’
`
`0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`@010
`
`03/927, 336
`Application No. :
`Filed:
`September 11,
`i319?
`Group Art Unit:
`sesalflé
`
`18.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 17, wherein said I/O
`
`register is further for interfacing said cache management unit to
`
`an external age table having entries reflecting whether each of
`
`said entries in said cache has been accessed by said cache lockup
`
`unit during a specified interval, said I/O register for enabling
`
`said age table to be read and updated.
`
`19.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 16, wherein said cache
`
`lockup unit is for receiving said CRCJIencoded addresses from said
`
`input packetizer,
`
`for
`
`identifying a cache row using said CRC
`
`encoded address, for ret‘erencing a respective usage tracking table
`
`value to identify which of said cache entries for said identified
`
`cache row is to be referenced first by saidcache lockup unit, for-
`
`referencing a respective validity table entry for said identified
`
`entry to determine if said identified entry is valid, for comparing
`
`said received address with said address value of said ident ified,
`
`10
`
`11
`
`valid cache entry, and for retrieving said data value associated
`
`with said identified, valid cache entry if said compariscn is made.
`
`20.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 19, wherein said. cache
`
`lockup unit
`
`is further
`
`for
`
`referencing said respective usage
`
`tracking table value to identify which of said remaining cache
`
`entries for said identified cache row is to be referenced next if
`
`Said comparison is not made.
`
`WEINOAETEN. SCHURGIN.
`“WIN 1E “AYE [LP
`TEL (M7)m
`FAX (6|?) 5143313
`
`8
`
`

`

`«AHOB/OJ/QS _MON_08:26 FAX 817 4'
`
`0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`@011
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 1997
`Group Art Unit:
`assa‘v?§6
`
`21.
`
`A network device for selectively forwarding a received data
`
`unit, comprising
`
`a data unit header proceSSOr for receiving said data unit and
`
`for processing header data asso¢iated with said received_data unit;
`
`a cache having plural rows, each of said rowe having plural
`
`eatries, wherein, each of said entries has an address
`
`and is
`
`comprised of a first value and a second value;
`
`a cache management unit associated with said cache and in
`
`communication with said data unit header processor; and
`
`a data unit
`
`forwarding engine,
`
`in communication with said
`
`cache management unit and said data unit header processor,
`
`for
`
`dispatching said data unit in response to data unit characterizing
`
`information from said data unit header processor and said cache
`
`management unit, wherein
`
`said cache management unit
`
`is adapted for receiving said
`
`header data from said data unit header processor,
`
`for usirg said
`
`header data as said cache address to identify a cache entry.
`
`to
`
`retrieve cache data associated with said cache entry,
`
`and for
`
`providing said cache data to said data unit forwarding engine as
`
`part of said data unit characterizing information.
`
`22.
`
`The network device of claim 21, wherein said cache management
`
`unit further comprises a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) generator for
`
`10
`
`>11.
`'
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`WHNOAR'TEH, SCHURGIN.
`GAGNEBIH k HAYES LLP
`TEL (6|?) $42.22!)
`FAX (6|?) “MEI!
`
`9
`
`

`

`
`08/03/98 MONV08327 FAX 617 4'
`
`0313
`
`WSGSxH
`
`012
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 1397
`Group Art Unit:
`.235i‘flr55
`
`CRC encoding said header data and for using said CRC encoded_header
`
`data as said cache entry address.
`
`23.
`
`The network device of claim 22, wherein said.cache management
`
`‘ unit is further for comparing said received header data with said
`
`first cache entry value referenced by said CRC encoded header‘iata,
`
`and for retrieving said second.cache entry value as said cache data
`
`to be providetho said data unit forwarding engine if said received
`
`header data equals said first cache entry value.
`
`H
`
`r/n‘.)
`
`24.
`
`The network device of claim 23, wherein said cache management
`
`unit further comprises a usage tracking table having a respective
`
`entry for each of said cache rows, said cache management unit using
`
`said usage
`
`tracking table entry to determine which oi
`
`said
`
`respective cache entries is to be compared first.
`
`25.
`
`The network device of claim 23, wherein said cache management
`
`unit further comprises a validity table having a respective entry
`
`for each of
`
`said cache entries,
`
`said. validity table entries
`
`indicating whether said respectiVe cache entry is a valid entry for
`
`said comparison.
`
`26.
`
`The network device of claim 23,
`
`further comprising an age
`
`table, capable of being updated by said cache management unit, for
`
`_ 10 _
`
`VEINAKTEN, SCHURGXN.
`GAGEEBIK i HAYES LL?
`TEL (6171 saw
`FAX (GIT) 6-1-0313
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`
`08/03/98 MON 08‘2
`___~.
`_ __._.'
`
`7
`
`F
`
`AX 61!
`
`i}.
`
`0313
`
`‘
`l
`
`SG&H
`
`r
`.0 3
`
`06/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11,
`l927
`Group Art Unit:
`295i‘29éé
`
`indicating whether each of said cache entries has been accessed by
`
`said cache management unit within a specified time period.
`
`R
`
`KS
`
`Claim 1 is pending in the present application prior to entry
`
`of the present preliminary amendment. By this amendment, claims 2—
`
`26 are added for
`
`the purpose of
`
`further
`
`refining'
`
`that
`
`'which
`
`Applicants claim as their invention.
`
`Amendments to the Detailed Description of the application as
`
`filed are also presented. These amendments Correct typographical
`errors .
`
`As for the correction of page 7,
`
`line 31,
`
`reference is
`
`made
`
`to page
`
`13,
`
`lines
`
`18—22
`
`for
`
`support.
`
`Due
`
`to space
`
`limitations, not all data flow paths are illustrated in Fig. 3.
`
`While a reading' of
`
`the Detailed Description should. maki:
`
`this
`
`obvious, Applicants now add language to make this explicit.
`
`The
`
`remainder of the corrections remedy obvious errors.
`
`As
`
`for all of
`
`the amendments proposed herein, Applicants
`
`submit that no new matter is introduced. Allowance of the claims
`
`is respectfully requested.
`
`WEXNGAR‘HZN. KHUEGIN.
`0mm .1. HAYS LLP
`TEL (617) 541.28)
`FA! (M'h 451-0313
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`
`08/03/98 MON 08:27 FAX 617 4‘
`
`0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`I014
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11,
`lpgj
`Group Art Unit: 2791‘24fig
`
`Any questions with regard to this
`
`submission should. be
`
`directed to Applicants'
`
`representative
`
`at
`
`the
`
`below—listed
`
`telephone number.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`CHRISTOPHER P. LAWLER
`
`
`
`
`
`Gordon R. Mor' rty
`
`Registration 0. 38,973
`Attorney for Applicant(s)
`
`WEINGARTEN, SCHURGIN,
`GAGNEBIN & HAYES LLP
`Ten Post Office Square
`Boston, Massachusetts 0:109
`
`Telephone:
`Telecopier:
`
`(617) 592-2290
`(617) 451—0313
`
`Date:
`/
`
`.
`
`@(7
`:“2/ 4 3*“
`
`GRM/ces
`116247
`
`WEINGAKTEN, SCHURGIN.
`GAGN‘EBIN A HAYES LL?
`TEL (6171 saw
`FAX (617) 6|473l3
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`
`(m pa/gs _MQN os:g4 FAX 617 4
`
`0313
`
`W5G&H
`
`noel
`
`WEINGARTEN, SCHURGIN, GAGNEBIN & HAYES LLP
`TEN POST OFFICE SQUARE
`
`JOSEPH WEINGARTEN M 5'1 9-1954)
`STANLEY M: scams-N
`CHARLES L. GAGNEEIN m
`PAUL J, HAYES
`VICTOR a. LEBOVICI
`DEAN GHAHAM BOSTOCK
`EUGENE A. FEHEE
`BEVERLV E. HJDRTH
`HDLLIDAY C. HEINE, FH-DA
`
`DATE: Au
`
`st 3
`
`1998
`
`TO:
`
`Examiner Moise
`
`FROM; Victor B. Lebovici
`
`Our File: SYNER—iiaxx
`Appl No.: OSfi927z335
`Your Ref:
`
`BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
`INTELLECTUAL FHGFEHTY LAW
`H DE
`CDFVRI
`S
`PATENTS. T A FEEAND
`TELEPHONE
`51715424220
`FAcseru:
`($17H151-0313
`
`GHT
`
`-;
`g.
`mm;
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`HOthiUID-WN RDUIEL:
`NIEHOMS r imam m
`RUSSELL w ‘BINNS m
`'
`‘
`'
`CHRISTOPHER J‘ LUT:
`GWENDDLYN H. VIF
`JAMES F. THOMPSON
`
`Fax No.
`Dialed:
`
`703
`
`305—9724
`
`_
`
`No. of pages transmitted
`(including this page): 14_
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`ES SAGE
`
`the Preliminary
`Attached per your request, please find a copy of
`to the above—
`Amendment
`filed. on March: 10,
`1998 with respect
`the postcard
`identified application and additionally a copy of
`stamped by the U.s: Patent and Trademark Office evidencing receipt
`of such Amendment.
`In view of the face that such Amendment was
`filed long prior to the issuance of the Official Action on July 22,
`1998,
`and the Official Action did not consider
`the additional
`claims presented via the Preliminary Amendment, it is respectfully
`requested that the Official Action be reissued after consideration
`of all presented claims and that the Applicants’ time for resppnse
`be reset.
`~
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`CERTIFICATE OF FAXING
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`transmitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Atten:ion:
`
`Examiner Emmanuel L. Mo'se, Group Art Unit 2786, at fax no.:(703)
`305~9724 on
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`.
`BY
`
`Victor B. Lebovici
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`08-’03/93
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`MON 08:24 FAX 617 4
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`W5 G&H
`
`I002
`
`
`
`
`
`‘ Applicant:
`Title:
`Applicatlon :a WPatenl Na.
`Enclosed is the Following:
`
`Docket No. $¥n [A ’H bf
`D Dert'rficatelLaner of Correction,
`Cover letter & check for
`CI Notice (If Appeal (tn Triplicate).
`
`Check for
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`El other
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`;
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`§Transmlnal Lefier in tripllca‘e,
`GhefimfiehHW:
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`D Applicafinn lnciuding'Pgsr _-
`of Spec”
`__-__. of claims and pg __ of Abslracl
`El Declaranon and Power 01 Attorney.
`Lghecrqs) tor
`D Informal I Furmal Drawings,
`W Shaets of Figs. m-_'__,
`a Letter tn‘cmar Draftsman;
`,
`' ‘0 ' a 8
`@j‘AmendJResp. dated
`;
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`D Information Disclosure SiatemenL Form 1‘49,
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`“215., Check for
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`O Asslgnmenl; Check for
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` 07/28/98 TUE 08:40 FAX 617 451 0313
`
`‘VSGSLH
`
`WEINGARTEN, SCHURGlN, GAGNEBIN & HAYES LLP
`TEN POST OFFICE SQUARE
`
`JOSEPH WEINGARTEN (1919-1 554]
`STANLEV M. SCHURGIN
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`DEAN GRAHAM BOSTOCK
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`BEVERLY Er HJDHTH
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`., ml % Em éai BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS 02109
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`g“
`%
`PATENTS,TRADEMAEKS AND ccwmcms
`
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`‘
`
`a: at Mt; n
`
`FF“ Eli-"biz:3154-2hag:
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`“’"'
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`. TELEPHONE
`#617] 542-2230
`FACSKM ILE
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`‘
`
`2
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`i998
`
`Group 276(1)
`
`GORDON R. MORIARTY
`HOLMES W. ANDERSON
`
`NCHE‘L‘X'SDPflSEEEES
`RUSSELL W. BINNS, JR.
`CHRISTOPHER J. LUTZ
`EWENDOLVN Hi YH’
`JAMES F. THOMPSON
`
`FACSIMILE COVER SHEET
`
`a
`
`DATE:
`
`To:
`
`Jul
`
`28
`
`1958
`
`Egaminer_Mpise
`'
`
`Fax No.
`Dialed:
`
`£7032 305~9724 ¥__
`
`
`FROM: Victor B. Lebovici
`
`Our File: SYNER—l18XX
`Appl No.: 08(927.336
`Your Ref:
`
`No. of pages transmitted
`(including this page): ;g_u
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`Sent by: Lisa Fralick
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`the following is checked:
`[
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`ESSAGE
`Attached per your request, please find a copy of the Preliminary
`Amendment
`filed. on March. 10,
`1998 with. respect
`to the abovea
`identified application and additionally a copy of
`the postcard
`stamped by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office evidencing receipt
`of such Amendment.
`In view of the fact
`that such Amendment was
`filed long prior to the issuance of the Official Action on July 22,
`1998,
`and the Official Action did not consider
`the additional
`claims presented.via the Preliminary Amendment, it is respectfully
`requested that the Official Action be reissued after consideration
`of all presented claims and that the Applicants'
`time for response
`be reset.
`
`] M
`
`CERTIFICATE OF FAXING
`I hereby certify that this correspondence is being faCSLmile
`transmitted to the U.S, Patent and Trademark Office, Attention:
`Examiner Emmanuel L. Moise, Group Art Unit 2786 at fax no.::703)
`
`3054724 on
`
`gag! gs i???
`By
`
`-
`Vi tor B. Lebovici
`
`THIS MESSAGE MAY CONTAIN CONFIDENTIAL OR PRIVILEGED INFORMXTION
`INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSON(S)
`IDENTIFIED ABOVE.
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`07/28/98
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`TUE 08: 41 FA_.X61_7 451 0.313
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`WS GSLH
`
`@002
`
`‘
`
`;
`
`__;
`
`
`
`
`
`Filed:M“:
`
`
`
`Application
`13813334331“ Patent No._________
`DockeiNn. S¥n¢A [1 El41K
`Enclosed is the Foiiowing:
`U Canificata/Lefler of Correction.
`
`
`QTransmiml Letter in triplicate.
`Cover ielter 8. check lnr
`W46?»
`.
`D Appiicallon including Pgs. ____-___ of Spec”
`ClNotice of Appeal [in Triplicate)
`litheck for
`__—_ al claims and pg ____ of Abstract
`El Petition fur Extension of Time for
`Q Declaration and Power of Attorney,
`__ Months. Check (or
`:Iheck(s) for
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`D Other
`D teller lo Chlaf Draftsman;
`@“Amendlfiesp dated 3‘ tDa8
`Checkiéiioré 5219 5.0 ::::'
`D information Disciosure Staten-lam. Form 1449.
`__ rats. Check form;
`D. Assignment: CheCR form
`D Issue Fee; PTD Form
`8&0: Check for *:
` Date Malian:
`Date Due:
`initials:
`£12}! I
`i
`I LA
`
`Express Mail Receipt Nu
`
`
`
` ’92,
`61“
`IBAUE 3d»
`
`
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`_o_7,lf_2§:f§LTLE~qs:41 FAX 6_1_z__451 0313
`
`is: new
`
`JUL 2 81998
`
`GWUQ ,9ij
`
`I003
`
`PATENl'
`
`IN THE QEITED STATE§ PATENT AND IRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`In re application
`Application No.
`Filed
`For
`
`Examiner
`Attorney's Docket
`
`:
`:
`:
`:
`
`:
`:
`
`Christopher P. Lawler et a1.
`08/927,336
`September 11, 1997
`HIGH SPEED CACHE MANAGEMENT UNIT FOR USE
`IN A BRIDGE/ROUTER
`
`SYNER-llSXX
`
`i'
`
`It * i ‘k f i * i i-
`
`* '1'
`
`'k
`
`'1'
`
`'k
`
`i
`
`* i * ‘k i i
`
`i‘
`
`*—
`
`vk
`
`i‘
`
`f
`
`t
`
`k
`
`*
`
`1k- * i
`
`Group Art Unit:
`
`2751
`
`I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with
`the United States Postal Service as first class mail in an envelope
`addressed to:
`Box Non—Fee Amendment, As istan
`missioner for
`
`Patents, Washington, D.C. 20231 on ¢41¢é @ /%
`
`“__.
`
`AZ/
`Gordon R. Mo arty
`Registration 0. 38,973
`Attorney for Applicant 5)
`****t******iti******ic-k-k-i—iizi'titi'ti
`
`By
`
`PRELIMINARY AMEEDMENT
`
`Box Non—Fee Amendment
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C.
`20231
`
`‘Sir:
`
`Please preliminarily amend
`
`the
`
`aboveuidentified
`
`patent
`
`application as follows:
`
`WEINGAKTEN, SCHURGlN,
`DAGl‘EBKN R HAYES LLF
`12L (611] 5‘2an
`FAX (6171 15mm
`
`17
`
`

`

`07/28/98
`
`TUE 03:41 FAX 6L7 451 0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`@004
`
`m mew it;
`JUL‘EBW
`rm”
`(Emu? “0%
`
`g g E fig E E
`
`”‘
`
`
`"
`Application No.:
`03/927,336
`Filed:
`September 11, 1997
`Group Art Unit:
`2751
`
`IN THE DETAILED DESCRIPTLON
`
`Please amend the Detailed Description as follows:
`
`On page
`
`On page
`
`On page
`
`1.
`
`3:
`
`7,
`
`with r~SAs——.
`
`line 26, replace “harware” with -—hardWare--u
`
`line 30, replace “permits” with —*enables-—.
`
`line 31, replace the second occurrence of “IAS”
`
`On page
`
`12,
`
`line 23, after the period,
`
`insert the following
`
`new sentence:
`
`——To avoid confusion in the drawing, not all
`
`communication paths are illustrated in Fig. 3;
`
`the accompanying
`
`text defines those pathsA——
`
`On page
`
`On page
`
`On page
`
`On page
`
`17,
`
`19,
`
`26,
`
`26,
`
`—-learned——.
`
`line 19, replace “26" with -—28——.
`
`line 17, replace “of" with ——or——.
`
`line 5, replace “transit” with ——transnit-
`
`.
`
`lines 11 and 13, replace “learn” with
`
`WEINGARTEN. SCHUIGIH.
`GIGNEBKH A MAYBE LLF
`TEL (617) 92-122)
`FAX (6!?) (mm:
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`

`
`07/28/98
`
`TUE 98:41 FAX“ 617 451 0313
`
`WSGI-Izfl
`
`IE] 005
`
`08/92?,336
`AppliCation No.:
`199”
`Filed:
`September 11,
`Group Art Unit:
`2751
`
`IN THE QLAIMS
`
`Please add the following new claims 2-26:
`
`2.
`
`A method of forwarding a data unit through a network element
`
`haVing a
`
`cache comprised of plural
`
`rows,
`
`each having Elural
`
`respective entries,
`
`the method comprising the steps of:
`
`receiving said data unit at said network element;
`
`parsing said data unit for address information;
`
`encoding said received address information;
`
`using said received, encoded address information to identify
`
`one of said cache rows;
`
`retrieving first address information from a first entry of
`
`said identified row;
`
`comparing said retrieved first address information with said
`
`received address information;
`
`retrieving second address information_from said first entry of
`
`said identified row if said retrieved first address information and
`
`said received address information are equal; and
`
`using said retrieved second address information for forwarding
`
`said data unite
`
`10
`
`ll
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`15
`
`17
`
`3.
`
`The method of claim 2,
`
`further comprising the steps of
`
`retrieving first address information from a subsequent entry of
`
`WEINGARTEN. SCHURGIH.
`GAGKEBH' a: “AYE LL?
`TEL (‘61?) 541429)
`FAX (617) 45mm
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`97/28/98 VTUE 053:41 FAX {317 451 0.113
`
`WSG&H
`
`nous
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 199"
`Group Art Unit:
`2751
`
`said identified row if said retrieved first address informatinn of
`
`said first entry and said received address information are not
`
`equal,
`
`then repeating said comparing,
`
`retrieving second address
`
`information, and using steps.
`
`4.
`
`The method of claim 3, wherein said step of encoding said
`
`received address information further comprises cyclic redurdancy
`
`encoding said received address information.
`
`5.
`
`The method. of
`
`claim.
`
`3,
`
`further comprising the step of
`
`packetizing said received,
`
`encoded address information with an
`
`bl
`
`indication of which of said plural entries is to be used Eirst in
`
`said step of retrieving first address information.
`
`6.
`
`The method of claim 5, wherein said step of packezizing
`
`further comprises referencing a usage tracking table to determine
`
`which of said plural entries is to be used first.
`
`7.
`
`The method of clainl 5, wherein said step of packetizing
`
`further comprises referencing a validity table to determine which
`
`of said plural entries is to be used first, said validity table
`
`providing an indication,
`
`for each of said cache entries, whether
`
`said entry is enabled for providing said first and second address
`
`information.
`
`WEINGAFTEF. SCHURGXN.
`GAGNEBIN 1|: HAYEJ LLP
`TEL (6‘7) 32-22%
`FAX {6”} 151-05”
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`07/28
`
`/§87
`
`TUE 08:42 FAX Si? 451 0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`@007
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 199?
`Group Art Unit:
`2751
`
`8.
`
`A cache management unit of a data unit
`
`forwarding network
`
`device, comprising:
`
`an input register for receiving data unit header information
`
`including received source and destination address;
`
`a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) generator in communication with
`
`said input register for executing a CRC algorithm on each of said
`
`received source and destination.addresses from said input register
`
`to form respective CRC encoded addresaes;
`
`an input packetizer in communication with said CRC generator
`
`and said input register for formatting said CRC encoded addresses
`
`and for reCeiving said received source and destination addresses
`
`from said input register;
`
`a cache lockup unit and an associated cache in communication
`
`with said input packetizer for searching said cache with said
`
`formatted CRC encoded addresses;
`
`an output packetizer in communication with said cache Lookup
`
`unit for receiving and formatting retrieved source and destination
`
`address information from said cache; and
`
`an output
`
`register
`
`in communication with' said output
`
`packetizer
`
`for
`
`receiving said formatted retrieved source and
`
`destination address information.
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`1%
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`2O
`
`21
`
`9.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said input
`
`register is further for receiving an identifier of a received data
`
`\VEIHGARTEN. SCHUIGIN.
`GAGNEBIN 8L HAYES LL?
`TEL (117! sat-m
`FAX [617) (SHED
`
`21
`
`21
`
`

`

`_ 07328/93
`
`THE 08:42 FAX 617 451 0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`move
`
`08/927,336
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`September 11, 199”
`Group Art Unit:
`2751
`
`3
`
`4
`
`unit protocol, and wherein said input packetizer formats said CRC
`
`encoded addresses with said protocol identifier.
`
`10.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said cache
`
`lockup unit comprises
`
`a
`
`cache
`
`lockup queue
`
`for
`
`storing said
`
`formatted CRC encoded addresses
`
`11.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said cache
`
`lockup unit comprises a cache lockup controller for searching said
`
`cache with said formatted CRC encoded addresses.
`
`12.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 8, wherein said cache is
`
`provided as plural
`
`rows each having plural entries, each entry
`
`comprising an address value and an associated data value.
`
`13.
`
`The cache management unit of claim l2, wherein said cache
`
`lockup controller is adapted for identifying a row of said cache
`
`using said CRC encoded addresses.
`
`14.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 12, wherein said cache
`
`lockup controller is adapted for comparing one of said received
`
`source and destination addresses to said address value of at least
`
`one of said plural entries of said identified cache row, and if
`
`said comparison generates a first value, returning said associated
`
`WEIHGAETEN. SCHURGIN,
`GAGNEBIH a HAYES LLF
`TEL (am 92.2731
`5'“ (617) $1471]:
`
`22
`
`22
`
`

`

`07/28
`p
`
`/as
`
`TUE 08:42HEAX 617 451 0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`H009
`
`08/927,336
`Application No‘:
`Filed:
`September 11, 199”
`Group Art Unit:
`2751
`
`data value as one of said retrieved source and destination address
`
`information_
`
`15.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 12, further comprising a
`
`usage tracking table associated with said input packetiza:
`
`for
`
`maintaining an ordered list, for each of said plural rows, of which
`
`of said plural entries is to be searched first upon receipt by said
`
`cache lockup unit of a CRC snooded address, said input packetizer
`
`for addressing said usage tracking table using one of said CRC
`
`encoded addresses.
`
`16.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 15,
`
`further comprising a
`
`validity table
`
`associated with
`
`said input
`
`packetizer
`
`for
`
`maintaining an indication, for each of said entries of said cache
`
`whether said data valne of the respective entry is to be coupared
`
`to said CRC encoded addresses, said input packetizer for addressing
`
`said validity table using one of said CRC encoded addresses.
`
`17.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 16, further comprising an
`
`I/O register for
`
`interfacing said cache management unit
`
`to an
`
`external processor,
`
`said I/O register
`
`for enabling prccessor
`
`configuration of said CRC generator, said usage tracking table, and
`
`said validity table.
`
`WENGARTEN. $CHURG1N_
`GAONEBIN A HAYES LLP
`TEL (H7) m-m
`flxmhuwm
`
`23
`
`23
`
`

`

`07/28
`
`/98 ‘TUE 08:42 FAX 617 451 0313
`
`WSG&H
`
`@010
`
`08/927,336
`Application No. :
`Filed:
`September 11, 1997
`Group Art Unit:
`2751
`
`18.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 17, wherein zaaid‘
`
`I/O
`
`register is further for interfacing said cache management unit to
`
`an external age table haVing entries reflecting whether each of
`
`said entries in said cache has been accessed by said cache lcokup
`
`unit during a specified interval, said I/O register for enabling
`
`said age table to be read and updated.
`
`19.
`
`The cache management unit of claim 16, wherein said cache
`
`lockup unit is for receiving said CRC encoded addresses from said
`
`input packetizer,
`
`for
`
`identifying a cache row 1ising said CRC
`
`encoded address, for referencing a respective usage tracking table
`
`value to identify which of said cache entries for said identified
`
`cache row is to be referenced first by said cache lockup uniz, for
`
`referencing a respective validity table entry for said identified
`
`entry to determine if said identified entry is valid, for comparing
`
`10
`
`ll
`
`said received address with said address value of said