Broadband electronic switching

The likely direction for broadband switching evolution is reviewed to determine areas of application for optical technologies. The traffic characteristics of services available on broadband networks are examined, and the requirements they place on switching are discussed. Particular attention is given to the use of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), which provides access and switching for services with a much wider variety of bit rates, connection holding times, and burstiness than other forms of switching. The limitations of electronic switching components are discussed, and opportunities for optical technology in future terabit-per-second throughput ATM switches are identified.<>