Design of a packet concentrator for broadband networks

The design of concentrators and expanders for a broadband packet network is discussed, assuming colocation of these pieces of equipment with the central office. The structure of the concentrator and expander proposed is based on the same self-routing switching technology adopted in the central office, allowing easy design and modular growth of multiple-server concentrators. The location of the concentrator and expander in the central office makes it possible to optimize the utilization of the concentrator and to partially take advantage in the expander of the packet processing capability of the interconnection network