Buffer size impact on the CQ Ethernet switch performance

NetFPGA is an open platform that enables rapid and efficient development and practical implementation of networking devices. On this platform we have implemented an originally designed Ethernet switch, based on a crossbar switching matrix with buffers at its crosspoints. In this paper we give an overview of the implemented switch design. We have carried out a number of tests of the switch in a real network environment. Based on the achieved results, we analyze the impact of the crosspoint buffers size on the packet loss probability inside the switching matrix, as well as the impact of the output buffers on the switch performance in general.