Cost-effective algorithms for multicast connection in ATM switches based on self-routing multistage networks

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the multicast connection in the self-routing multistage interconnection network (MIN) for constructing the internal architecture of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switches. Many applications of ATM switches require multicast connections in addition to conventional point-to-point connections. Multicast connection, in which the same message is delivered from a source to an arbitrary number of destinations, is fundamental in supporting collective connection primitives including cable TV, teleconferencing, and video-on-demand services. This paper presents a novel approach to supporting multicast connection, on the basis of the recursive scheme that recycles a multicast packet one or mon times through the network to reach desired destinations. We also propose cost-effective multicast algorithms providing deadlock-freedom in MIN-based ATM switches. The proposed algorithms require a small and fixed number of recycling passes and a reasonable number of links used. The proposed algorithms can be easily applied to buffered MIN-based ATM switches. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.