A scalable ATM switching system architecture

The architecture of an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching system for prototype applications is presented. The general concept to upgrade the existing ISDN switch with an ATM module is introduced, and the building blocks of this ATM module are described in detail. Switching of ATM cells is performed in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). ASICs can be cascaded to form large switching modules. Peripheral modules interface the ATM switch to external transmission systems and perform all ATM-related functions, including means for redundancy of the switching network. The redundancy scheme tolerates single failures without affecting the user information. A switching network architecture is shown to be capable of fulfilling varying demands in terms of the number of ports for ATM switches and cross connects, concentrators, and multiplexers