Multicast control in optical circuit-switched Banyan networks

Circuit-switching can be particularly useful in optical multiprocessor interconnection networks, where it may be desirable to provide all-optical connections. Circuit-switched Banyan networks can be built from simple switching elements that do not have logical processing or buffering capabilities. Distributed, dynamic control can be provided to establish circuits in the network in response to the changing needs of a parallel application. These control techniques interleave control and data in the same network, thus avoiding the need for a separate control network. When the switching elements provide broadcast connections, the control techniques can provide multicasting communication capabilities. Time division multiplexing (TDM) or wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) can be used to increase the number of data circuits provided and thus reduce the frequency of control operations.