The multiple crossbar network interface

A description is given of a project to build prototype hardware for a high speed store and forward packet switched protocol processor for Los Alamos National Laboratories. The device is called a crossbar switch interface (CBI). Using ANSI high-speed channels (HSC), the CBI connects a host computer and a crossbar switch (CBS). A crossbar switch with attached CBIs, called a crosspoint star (CP*), is the building block of a multiple crossbar network (MCN). As a protocol processor, the CBI provides functions for access, management, security, packet buffering and control of the network. The CBI offloads and isolates hosts in the MCN from many network decisions