Switch/Router Architectures: Shared-Bus and Shared-Memory Based Systems

A practicing engineer's inclusive review of communication systems based on shared-bus and shared-memory switch/router architectures

This book delves into the inner workings of switch/router design in a comprehensive manner that is accessible to a broad audience. It begins by describing the role of switch/routers in a network, then moves on to the functional composition of a switch/router. A comparison of centralized versus distributed design of the architecture is also presented. The author discusses use of shared-bus and shared-memory for communication within a design, and also covers Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms and configuration tools.

Written in a simple style and language to allow readers to easily understand and appreciate the material presented, Switch/Router Architectures: Shared-Bus and Shared-Memory Based Systems discusses the design of switch/routers—starting with the basic concepts and on to the basic architectures. It describes the evolution of switch/router designs and highlights the major performance issues affecting each design. It addresses the need to build faster multilayer switches and examines the architectural constraints imposed by the various switch/router designs. The book also discusses design issues including performance, implementation complexity, and scalability to higher speeds. This resource also:

• Summarizes principles of operation and explores the most common installed routers
• Covers the design of example architectures (shared bus and memory based architectures), starting from early software based designs
• Provides case studies to enhance reader comprehension

Switch/Router Architectures: Shared-Bus and Shared-Memory Based Systems is an excellent guide for advanced undergraduate and graduate level students, as well for engineers and researchers working in the field.