FPGA implemented cut-through vs store-and-forward switches for reliable ethernet networks

In this paper, the latency times offered by two COTS IEC 62439-3 switch IP cores implementable on FPGAs have been compared. The first one, combines Cut-Through with Store-and-Forward switching architectures. The second IP is based only on Store-and-Forward switching technique. The analysis shows that a custom architecture that combines Cut-Through with Store-and-Forward approaches and takes advantage from Reconfigurable Technology offers the best latency times under any circumstance. This parameter is critical for the applications and sectors addressed in these new Reliable Ethernet protocols. Additionally, both IPs have been compared attending other features and resources required for their implementation. This comparison shows that a specifically designed architecture for the protocols specified in IEC 62439-3 offers excellent latency time and requires less resources than traditional Store-and-Forward ones.