This paper defines a procedure for designing the architecture of multistage switching networks. Our proposal is the result of a systematic study of the properties of multistage networks on one side and of optical switching systems on the other side. Modularity of the implementation is the primary concern, allowing the construction of a generic-size fabric by the simple cascading of multiple-stage modules. In this paper, we show in detail the application of the approach to a family of banyan networks, although the method can be extended to other types of networks. The designed architecture can be exploited for various implementation technologies, for instance, integrated optics and free-space optics. The method can even be applied to electronic VLSI/ULSI circuits. After presenting the design procedure, we discuss practical implementations in different technology scenarios. The main contribution of this paper is to simplify the building of large switches by cascading a number of switching modules that combine the internal stage architecture with the interconnection between stages.

Interconnection systems inside switching equipment, high-performance computers and data-centers are nowadays facing more and more demanding requirements. Optical interconnections based on multistage switching networks provide more bandwidth and less energy consumption compared to electronic counterparts. In this work a procedure to design the architecture of optical multistage switching networks is proposed which exploits the properties of multistage networks, on one side, and of optical switching systems on the other side. Thanks to the modularity of the architecture, a generic-size fabric can be implemented by simply cascading multiple stage-modules. In this paper we show in details the application of the approach to the Extended Generalized Shuffle (EGS) networks, though the method can be extended to other types of networks. The proposed procedure supports various implementation technologies, as, for example, integrated optics with micro-ring resonators, free- space optics with 2-D MEMS, networks on chip.

Future switching and interconnection fabrics inside switching equipment, high-performance computers and datacenters will require more throughput and more energy efficiency. Optical technology provides many opportunities of improvement of both features compared to electronic counterparts. This work defines a procedure to design the architecture of optical multistage switching networks. Modularity of the implementation is the primary concern, allowing for the construction of a genericsize fabric by the simple cascading of multiple stage-modules. In this paper we show in details the application of the approach to a family of banyan networks. The designed architecture can be exploited for various implementation technologies, as, for instance, integrated optics with micro-ring resonators, free-space optics with 2-D MEMS, networks on chip.