Design of high flexible stream merging function

A multiprotocol label-switching paradigm of integrating layer 3 routing with layer-2 technology such as ATM etc. has been proposed as an alternative to today´s router architecture. When MPLS is applied to an ATM-LSR, a VC merging function that merges pluralities of ingress streams into one single stream is required to support scalability of MPLS networks. We will present the VC merging card that is implemented using a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a high performance SAR device. The card provides not only high flexibility in the MPLS networks but also noble management method of connection setup and termination for multipoint-to-point connection essential to the VC merging function.