A terabit multiservice switch

This article describes a terabit multiservice switch architecture. Because of its multiterabit switching speed, quality of service (QoS) support capability, multiprotocol capability including TDM, and scalability, the Cyclone switch architecture is directly applicable in the following areas and many more: multiterabit switching at the Internet core, terabit routers and carrier-class ATM or MPLS switches; aggregation for all optical networks; unified packet/circuit switching platform; and high-end enterprise applications. The Cyclone switch architecture enables a scalable switching platform from multiple Gbits to multiple Tbits per second in five custom 0.18-micron CMOS ICs. A wire-speed scheduling capability supports eight quality of service classes and a million flows.