Abstract

As we seek application for photonic technology in future broadband switching systems we must be aware of the changing nature of switching. While circuit switching will continue to find application in telecommunications facilities protection, network rearrangement, and in providing very high speed channels to subscribers, a packet­like transport called Asynchronous Transfer Mode or ATM is expected to play an increasingly important role. This memo describes some functions that may be provided in an ATM switch, and reviews progress in high speed electronics technology for circuit and ATM switching as a technology baseline for our use in assessing opportunities for photonic technology.

© 1989 Optical Society of America