Synchronous Composite Packet Switching-A Switching Architecture for Broadband ISDN

A new switching architecture for broadband ISDN, "Synchronous Composite Packet Switching (SCPS)," is proposed and evaluated. It efficiently integrates circuit and packet switching functions on a single switching system and accommodates very high speed-up to several tens of Mbit/s-communication services, such as very high speed bursts of data, still picture, and motion video, as well as 64 kbit/s or less voice and data services. The SCPS system comprises plural switch modules and plural Very high speed synchronous loops. In the SCPS system, messages on plural circuit switched channels are assembled into quasi-packets, called "composite packets," and switched synchronously between switch modules, maintaining complete time transparency and short absolute delay time. A system parameter design to obtain high system efficiency and appropriate system modularity is explained, and an example for a very large capacity transit switch of 4 Gbit/s throughput is presented. System implementation problems to realize the SCPS principle, such as efficient implementation of the composite packet assembling and loop transmission functions, are investigated and an experimental system constructed for circuit switching part is presented. The most remarkable characteristic of the SCPS is that it efficiently integrates64 times nkbit/s circuit switching with packet switching. Moreover, the SCPS system retains compatibility with existing networks and the possibiliy of evolution toward a future broadband ISDN. On the basis of the above investigations and experimental system construction, the authors conclude that the SCPS is one of the most practical switching architectures for the coming broadband ISDN era.     

ISDN: a snapshot

A snapshot of the present status of ISDN (integrated services digital network) is presented in terms of standardization efforts, field trials and demonstrations, implementations and services, and equipment and devices. A review of opinions and controversies as well as future trends is also given. The authors emphasize the importance of the worldwide standardization effort and discuss the organizations that are responsible for establishing such standards. It is pointed out that, with the limitation and inflexibility of the narrowband ISDN and the broadband ISDN, issues for higher-rate services have become prominent. For broadband services, the problem is not merely increasing the speed of the operation. It affects the compatibility of switching technology, the workability of the local loop arrangement, the availability of rate adaption, and the efficiency of bandwidth utilization. Although some basic principles of narrowband ISDN can be carried to broadband ISDN, the technology is quite different. For example, the interconnection and transmission problems of video, HDTV, (high-definition television), and high-speed data are different from those of voice. Thus, the standard 64-kb/s B channel itself, the fundamental rate of ISDN transmission, appears inadequate for wideband services. At present, the solution is to establish the multiples of 64 kb/s for accommodation of broadband or higher rates     

Switching in the Broad-Band ISDN

The enhancement of ISDN with broad-band services is investigated from the viewpoint of switching systems. Approaches in system architecture and switching technology are described. The extension of an ISDN switch with broad-band modules is presented as an example.     

High-Speed Time Division Switch for 32-Mbit/s Bearer Rate Signals

This paper describes the high-speed time division switch employed in a 32-Mbit/s bearer signal communications system. System performance is realized by using three technologies. The first is a switch structure referred to as a 2-RAM 2-bank structure which ensures high-speed performance by increasing switching throughput four times over that of the basic structure. The second is the inclusion in the switch of two types of peripheral logic developed using Si-bipolar super-self-aligned process technology. The third is high-speed synchronous transmission of data. A large channel capacity time division switching network is also discussed. In conjunction with the network, these technologies make it possible to realize the ISDN time division switches necessary for such services as TV and high-definition TV communications.     

A fast packet switch for the integrated services backbone network

With the projected growth in demand for bandwidth and telecommunication services will come the requirement for a multiservice backbone network of far greater efficiency, capacity, and flexibility than ISDN (integrated-services digital network) is able to satisfy. This class of network has been termed the broadband ISDN, and the design of the switching nodes of such a network is the subject of much research. The author investigates one possible solution. The design and performance, for multiservice traffic, is presented for a fast packet switch based on a nonbuffered, multistage interconnection network. It is shown that for an implementation in current CMOS technology, operating at 50 MHz, switches with a total traffic capacity of up to 150 Gb/s can be constructed. Furthermore, if the reserved service traffic load is limited on each input port to a maximum of 80% of switch port saturation, then a maximum delay across the switch of on the order of 100 μs can be guaranteed, for 99% of the reserved service traffic, regardless of the unreserved service traffic load     

ATM交换机设计

本文提出一种宽带交换的新设计思想,它以异步传送模式为前提,能够保证各种宽带和窄带业务的综合交换。     

Broadband ISDN — service visions and technological realities

Two forces, service needs and technological advances, are driving the extension of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) into the broadband area. First, this paper identifies several business and residential services which provide a market pull for broadband ISDN (BISDN). Secondly, it reviews recent advances in optical transmission and broadband switching which provide a technological push. Finally, it describes an experimental broadband prototype constructed to help us better understand the transmission, switching, signaling protocol, software, and service capabilities required for BISDN.     

Switching System Software Design for ISDN

The ISDN offers various services through multipurpose digital subscriber lines. The switching program for the ISDN should be so designed as to realize the control of various voice and nonvoice services and provide for developing service enhancement. To attain the goal, the ISDN services are classified hierarchically and each category is allocated to appropriate network nodes for implementation. As a result, the local switching program provides an out-slot subscriber line signaling capability and call connection with appropriate compatibility checking including a check for access capability to communications processing nodes. The switching program modules specific to analog services and those specific to digital services are separated to allow the use of the existing program file and to afford easy program design and maintenance. Remote-controlled switching is a suitable means for an economical introduction of the ISDN services to low traffic density areas. Special routing and reliability arrangements as well as the program structure for a remote-controlled switch are discussed.     

A broadband switching experiment

A broadband switching experiment was presented at the ISS'87 and Telecom'87 conferences in Phoenix, Arizona, and Geneva, Switzerland, respectively and at the March 1988 Fair in Hanover, West Germany. This experiment was significant in that it illustrated techniques for switching broadband signals with a wide range of frequencies, formats and ultimate purposes. In particular, simultaneous switching (within the same switch fabric) of 30 MHz PFM, 45 Mb/s PCM, and 140 Mb/s PCM was demonstrated. These signals carried full-motion, full-colour NTSC video for desk-to-desk video teleconferencing, off-the-air broadcast video programming, and surveillance camera video. They also carried RGB video, digitized stored video images, and computer-computer communications. Software features afforded a friendly human interface, allowing multiple, flexible service capabilities. Further, the experimental system, when deployed in Phoenix, demonstrated control of its capabilities via a narrowband ISDN link to an optically remoted 5ESS® switch module one km distant, which homed on a 5ESS host switch about 32 km further away. The technologies employed in the switch and the surrounding equipment are detailed, and the significance of this experiment relative to the broadband ISDN (BISDN) thinking is discussed.     

Very high speed and high capacity packet switching for broadbandISDN

The authors discuss and propose a very-high-speed and high-capacity packet-switching (HPS) architecture for a future broadband ISDN (integrated-services digital network). The HPS network accommodates various communication services, such as voice, high-speed data, high-speed still picture, and video services. The proposed architecture has three significant principles: a high-speed oriented simple network protocol, separation of signaling and network control from data transfer, and hardware switching. These principles provide fast- and high-throughput transmission for data packets and reliable transmission and processing for call-control packets. The HPS protocol structure is addressed, which provides high flexibility for various communications services as well as high-speed capability. A 3-Gb/s capacity and building-block-structured packet-switching system architecture, using bus- and loop-type switch fabric, is also presented     

New directions in signaling for broadband ISDN

User networks signaling is considered. The evolution of signaling protocols is outlined, analyzing the forces producing changes in the past. Emerging broadband switching technologies and services are discussed, emphasizing capabilities that might be required. A conceptual model for representing integrated-services digital network (ISDN) calls is presented as the basis for structuring a more flexible signaling protocol to meet the needs for a broadband environment     

Frame relaying as a common access to N-ISDN and B-ISDN dataservices

Widespread use of personal computers (PCs) and PC networks is leading to a strongly increased demand for WAN data services in terms of number of accesses and required bandwidth. Narrowband ISDN (N-ISDN) and broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) have the potential to satisfy, respectively, the existing and developing requirements. However, a flexible evolution path needs to be identified for the provision of ISDN access facilities. Frame relaying and frame switching are prime candidates for such a common access facility, although not necessarily intrinsic B-ISDN data services. The article gives an overview of frame relaying and frame switching as possible candidates for harmonized access to N-ISDN and B-ISDN. Pre-ISDN, N-ISDN, and B-ISDN services with their characteristics in terms of cost and performance are first described. It is shown how frame relaying and switching are positioned with respect to the identified service requirements. Then some examples are given of selected scenarios, and the role played by specifically frame relaying to provide access to B-ISDN services, offering at the same time a seamless evolutionary path from N-ISDN to B-ISDN. The position of frame relaying and switching is discussed first in respect to application requirements, and then in architectural terms. Frame relay (and frame switching) services are then identified as services that provide the necessary low threshold and short lead time for rapid market penetration, in order to allow applications to indirectly take advantage of the benefits of ATM services     

Packet power-B-ISDN and the asynchronous transfer mode

The vast expense of installing a new infrastructure for the ISDN has now been accepted. The new type of network should be able to carry not only existing services of voice communication, but also those that might be needed well into the future such as data, facsimile and pictures. The authors discuss the use of the broadband ISDN with the asynchronous transfer mode based on fast packet switching     

A multistage ATM switch with interstage buffers

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is the transport technique for the broadband ISDN recommended by CCITT (I.121). Many switches have been proposed to accommodate the ATM that requires fast packet switching capability.^1-8 The proposed switches for the broadband ISDN can be classified as being of input queueing or output queueing type. Those of the input queueing type have a throughput performance which is approximately 58 per cent that of the output queueing type. However, output queueing networks require larger amounts of hardware than input queueing networks. In this paper, we propose a new multistage switch with internal buffering that approaches a maximum throughput of 100 per cent as the buffering is increased. The switch is capable of broadcasting and self-routeing. It consists of two switching planes which consist of packet processors, 2 x 2 switching elements, distributors and buffers located between stages and in the output ports. The internal data rate of the proposed switch is the same as that of the arriving information stream. In this sense, the switch does not require speed-up. The switch has log₂ N stages that forward packets in a store-and-forward fashion, thus incurring a latency of log₂ N time periods. Performance analysis shows that the additional delay is small.     

A guide to data communications: B-ISDN and how it works

The capabilities of the emerging broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) are examined. Fundamental differences between broadband and narrowband ISDN are identified. The basics of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), the switching technique used by BISDN networks, are discussed. Channel identification, generic flow control, using ATM, and connectionless service are considered. The first services expected to make use of ATM are briefly described     

Migration to broadband ISDN

The current state of telecommunications in Japan is briefly discussed, with particular reference to broadband services. Experience with the migration from the analog telephone network to the present narrowband integrated services digital networks (ISDN) is described. Three strategies for the transition from narrowband ISDN to broadband ISDN are examined. The market-driven strategy is to replace existing metallic subscriber loops with optical media, wherever possible, even if only narrowband services are required, with the expectation that these subscribers will eventually use broadband services. The service-oriented strategy entails putting into place a flexible and multipurpose platform that would also allow HDTV distribution and bidirectional communications. Early installation of such a platform would allow for the early announcement of broadband services, which would in turn stimulate demand. The benefits and drawbacks of each of these strategies are discussed. The advance-investment strategy is to press ahead with the introduction of optical subscriber loops to accelerate technological innovation, even if the cost is somewhat high. Other issues that are important to the migration of broadband ISDN are noted     

Broadband communication and its realization with broadband ISDN

In addition to narrowband services, future broadband networks will also include broadband services for applications like: high-speed communication of data, text and graphics person-to-person video communication, access to video information as well as broadcast of programs and data. Low terminal costs and service charges are essential with respect to a growing demand for new services, especially in the home. Broadband ISDN, to be developed on the basis of ISDN and using glass-fiber subscriber lines, will enable a wide range of applications satisfying the needs and requirements of the business and private sectors. The best technical solution from the aspect of user-friendliness and economy is to implement this broadband ISDN for all services with an evolutionary and flexible design. The broadband ISDN concept is not restricted to the public network and terminal equipment but also comprises private networks, information and program centers, etc. Many countries are pursuing the goal of this universal network for the future "information society". However, the approaches for setting up the broadband ISDN differ from country to country, depending on the particular technical and political situation. Standardization plays an important role with regard to "open broadband telecommunication", the worldwide trouble-free communication and information exchange of one party with any other.     

An experimental ATM switch for BISDN studies

This paper describes the architecture, functionality and performance of an experimental ATM switch being developed at the Telecom Australia Research Laboratories as part of its investigations into the broadband ISDN. The proposed switch architecture consists of parallel omega networks preceded by a Batcher bitonic sorting network. The switching fabric has no internal cell buffering. Cell buffering is provided only on the switch outputs for cells simultaneously contending for the same output port. The switch fabric and cell buffers include mechanisms for providing prioritized servicing of queued cells and prioritized discarding of cells based on priority fields contained within the cell header. Components of the switch are currently being implemented in 2 μm CMOS VLSI.     

Banyan multipath self-routing ATM switches with shared buffer typeswitch elements

The asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) has been selected as the multiplexing and switching technique for use in the public broadband ISDN (B-ISDN). We propose a large-scale ATM switch architecture in which a banyan multipath self-routing network is combined advantageously with a shared buffer type switch element. The proposed banyan space-division concept yields a simple architecture having the potential to accommodate easily the growth of switch size. Since the interconnection network between switch modules or between switch elements has a twofold banyan architecture, expansion in crosspoints or interconnections with the increase of switch size can be lessened. The multipath self-routing concept makes the switch performance better and leads to an efficient realization of a switch element on a single chip as the fundamental building block of a large-size switch. We analyze the required capacity for queuing buffers in the switching network. The multipath approach inevitably creates information sequence disturbances. Therefore, we also analyze the out-of-sequence phenomenon of a banyan multipath switching system. To satisfy the sequence integrity requirement for ATM, a simple approach is proposed for the multipath switch by using a spacing controller. In addition, we quantify the improvement of out-of-sequence performance under the spacing controller scheme     

Output-buffer switch architecture for asynchronous transfer mode

This paper proposes a new asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch architecture for the broadband ISDN. The ATOM switch ATM output-buffer modular switch has a multi-stage network structure, and is highly modular to facilitate capacity expansion. The ATOM switch element is of the output-buffer type with a time-division multiplexed bus and FIFO buffer for each outgoing line. Bit-slice techniques are used to implement the high-speed time-division bus and buffer memories. The output buffer switch has the advantages of no throughput degradation since internal contention is eliminated, and a simple control structure for providing priority and multi-point connections. This paper also deals with switching delay and buffer overflow probabilities for mixed (bursty and non-bursty) traffic.