Distribute-merge network for low-delay ATM

Presents a distribute-and-merge network that reduces delay, and delay variance significantly. The distributed-merge network reduces internal contentions by spreading out the load among switching elements. This is done through cell splitting into packlets, distribution of packlets, and merging them at the output ports. It is shown that an 8-way distribution is ideal since it provides the required reduction in delay and keeps the overhead reasonably low. This work also presents the models built to evaluate the performance