Abstract

As the communications industry continues to expand two current trends are becoming apparent: the desire to support an increasing diversity of communications services #voice, video, image, text, etc.# and the consequent requirement for increased network capacity to handle the expected growth in suchmulti-service tra#c. This dissertation describes the design, performance and implementation of a high capacity switch which uses fast packet switching to o#er the integrated support of multi-service tra#c. Applications for this switch are considered within the public network, in the emerging metropolitan area network and within local area networks. The Cambridge Fast Packet Switch is based upon a non-bu#ered, multi-path switch fabric with packet bu#ers situated at the input ports of the switch. This results in a very simple implementation suitable for construction in current gate array technology. A simulation study of the throughput at saturation of the switch is #rst presented to select th...

Citations