Abstract

Extended generalized shuffle (EGS) networks¹ have recently been proposed as a broad class of multistage interconnection networks (MINs) that include strictly non-blocking networks as well as networks with finite blocking probabilities. These networks can be viewed as extensions to generalized shuffle networks² (GSNs) that include the facility to fan-out and fan-in at the input and output stages, respectively, of the interconnection network. We present a new class of packets-witched EGS networks. At the heart of these networks is a unipath EGS network that allows a continuous tradeoff between a crossbar and a traditional MIN in terms of fan-out and fan-in versus number of stages. We show how switching networks with self-routing capability and arbitrarily low packet contention rates can be achieved by replicating the unipath network. We also compare the performance and cost of such networks with those of the GSN. Finally, we discuss the utility of these new packet-switched networks for photonic switching using smart pixels.

© 1992 Optical Society of America