Non-blocking copy networks for multicast packet switching

A nonblocking, self-routing copy network with constant latency is proposed. Packet replications are accomplished by two fundamental processes: encoding and decoding. The encoding process transforms the set of copy numbers, specified in the headers of incoming packets, into a set of monotone address intervals that form new packet headers. This process is carried out by a running adder network and a set of dummy address encoders. The decoding process performs the packet replication according to the Boolean interval splitting algorithm through the broadcast banyan network. The destinations of copies are determined by the trunk-number translators. At each stage of the broadcast banyan network, the decision-making is based on a 2 bit header information, which yields minimum complexity of switch nodes