Inside Cisco IOS Software Architecture (CCIE Professional Development)

Packet Buffer Management

In packet routing, as in any store-and-forward operation, there must be some place within the system to store the data while it is being routed on its way. The typical strategy is to create memory buffers to hold incoming packets while the switching operation is taking place. Because the capability to route packets is central to the IOS architecture, IOS contains a special component dedicated to managing just such buffers. This component is called the buffer pool manager (not to be confused with the memory pool manager discussed earlier). IOS uses this component to create and manage a consistent series of packet buffer pools for switching on every platform. The buffers in these pools are collectively known as the system ...