Modelling ATM switch-fabric based on the knockout principle

Within high speed integrated communications networks, the user expects data to arrive `as is´ in a delay- and error-free manner. Switching fabrics put in place to support the realisation of B-ISDN applications within these networks must have short latencies, and be capable of delivering cells from source to destination in order and without loss. The knockout switch, an N-input x N-output switch, has the characteristics of: being non-blocking (i.e. every incoming cell has access to every output port), low latency, self routing, complete sharing of buffer memory, ensuring all cells are treated in a first-in-first out basis, and its architecture allows for modular growth. Its fully connected switch fabric ensures all incoming cells have a direct path to every output. Incoming cells are filtered to ensure that only those destined for a particular output port access that port. Each output requires N filters, therefore N² filters are needed for the entire switch. The authors show how to model an asynchronous transfer mode switch based on the knockout principle. The intended scenario will simulate the arrival of cells from a high speed network to a switch, their processing and final departure from an appropriate port. The switch will be based on an 8 input by 8 output port architecture