A system and method of moving information units from a network processor toward
a data transmission network in a prioritized sequence which accommodates several
different levels of service. The present invention includes a method and system
for scheduling the egress of processed information units (or frames) from a network
processing unit according to stored priorities associated with the various sources
of the information units. The priorities in the preferred embodiment include a
low latency service, a minimum bandwidth, a weighted fair queueing and a system
for preventing a user from continuing to exceed his service levels over an extended
period. The present invention includes a weighted fair queueing system where the
position of the next service in a best efforts system for using bandwidth which
is not used by committed bandwidth is determined based on the length of the frame
and the weight of the particular flow. A "back pressure" system keeps a flow from
being selected if its output cannot accept an additional frame because the current
level of that port queue exceeds a threshold.