NonBlocking Broadcast Switching Network

This novel invention presents a design for a broadcast network which provides nonblocking connecting capability in a multistage switching network without any disturbance of other broadcast connections already existing in the network. It is notable for its economy of required switching elements and its reduced crosspoint and control algorithm complexity. In this design, a middle stage of switches, in communication with the input and output stages, is always available to form connections between an idle input port and a plurality of idle output ports. A network controller determines which middle stage switches are idle at any given time in the network and chooses only from among the idle middle switches, and the minimum number of such switches, to form a desired broadcast connection between an idle input port and a plurality of idle output ports. Additionally, when a network broadcast connection between a network output port and network input port ceases, the network output port can be included in future network broadcast requests made by network input ports. These networks are useful for practical applications involving the movement of and collaboration with voice/video/text/graphics information and requiring broadcast capability. These networks are also useful for the interconnection of processor and memory units in parallel processing systems.

Inventor(s): Masson, Gerald

Type of Offer: Licensing



« More Software Patents

---