Synchronous traffic to asynchronous switch-fabric shaper

With the appearance of cell-based services (ATM), new switch-fabric architectures emerge, many of them being cell-based internally. However, the majority of the existing services is still of synchronous nature. When switching both types in the same fabric, the problem of periodic congestion appears. This problem can be solved by shaping the traffic through use of a randomizer. Some possible mechanisms have been studied, and one of them has been elaborated in detail. A side-effect of the randomization is that the order of the data-samples can be disturbed, so that a resequencing becomes necessary. An ASIC device has been developed, implementing this algorithm. This device will enable the smooth introduction of broadband services, while still supporting existing synchronous facilities.< >