Performance of multiple channel delta networks

The authors analyze the performance of delta networks constructed with crossbars having multiple channels per input/output port. The probability of internal blocking is reduced significantly when two or more parallel channels interconnect stages of crossbars. This allows a throughput comparable to that of a single-stage crossbar switch to be achieved with three channels and selectors at the outputs of the delta network. The throughput can be increased to nearly 100% by using a shared buffer architecture instead of the selector at the outputs. Such a multiple channel delta network can be used in telecommunication switching networks and as an interconnection network in multiprocessor systems