Terabit-per second throughput switches for broadband central offices: an overview

The design of a broadband central office (CO) switch based on the SONET standard and the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) protocol is addressed. An overview is given of the next generation switch (NGS), which has been proposed as a functional architecture for broadband networks and switching systems. The NGS consists of a number of different functional modules (interface, control, operations, service, and fabric), interconnected by open interfaces, that together form a high-speed large-throughput switching system. The interface modules and fabric modules, which embody some of the more difficult technological problems encountered in realizing terabit-per-second switches, are examined in detail.<>