Growable ATM switch with embedded multi-channel/multicasting property

We propose a high capacity switch network called the Multi-channel ATM Switch with Crossbar Oriented Network (MASCON). Implementing this switch network as a custom ASIC, we construct Multi-Stage Interconnected Networks (MINs) using the multi-channel concept to give greater throughput than that possible from MINs constructed from single-channel modules. Flexible multi-channel switching is supported in which any k ports may be grouped logically to form a higher bandwidth pipe. Multi-channel switching results in improved cell loss and delay performance due to the economy of scale in aggregating shared resources. MASCON is an internally non-blocking switch. Sixteen inputs/outputs are implemented with 622 Mbps port speed at each port for a total module capacity of 10 Gbps. A fully shared buffer is incorporated into the design. MASCON's shared buffering can interact well with MIN input and output buffering through the use of our backpressure flow-control scheme.