Local-Area Networks based on the international ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) standard will provide high-speed multimedia communication (data, audio, and video communication over the same network). These networks will have to be built using fast packet switches that can switch the very small packets specified by the ATM standard. In this project, Fore Systems will interconnect multiple fast packet switches in an arbitrary topology to build an ATM-based local-area network capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of attached hosts. The major challenges in developing such a network are the choice of topology, how to handle routing in the resulting network, and how to adapt to reconfigurations of the network in which switches or links are added or removed. Researchers will study the issues, requirements, and algorithms for multiple-switch routing, the factors that determine the choice of topology for typical sites, and algorithms for automatically adapting to network reconfiguration. The results of this study will be used to develop switch control software for a complete local-area network of multiple fast packet switches based on the ATM standard. The switching software will embody the routing and reconfiguration algorithms identified in the study.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The successful completion of this research will provide the basis for the commercial development of ATM-based local-area networks that can serve sites with large numbers (hundreds or thousands) of computers.
