Multi-path routing techniques for a class of multistage fast packet switches

The Banyan interconnection, while well suited to multiprocessor and fast packet communication systems, is prone to link congestion resulting in a blocking switch architecture. Solutions have been proposed to reduce the severity of link congestion. In general, these solutions tend to increase packet delay variability and allow delivery of out-of-sequence packets. This may lead to an increase in end-to-end protocol complexity, particularly in the case of real-time services. Multipath interconnection is proposed to overcome this difficulty. Multiple (i.e. alternate) paths are provided, and one is selected at call setup. Subsequent packets belonging to the call are constrained to follow the selected path. A number of path-selection strategies are presented and evaluated