Replicated broadband switch improvements using optical devices

The system design of a large (512x512) replicated banyan switch for broadband applications at 622 Mbit/s is presented and the physical limitations that arise in electronic implementation outlined. Optics seems the key to solve the problems that make all-electrical implementation impossible for high speed and large size switches. Possible solutions that adopt optics for board-to-board interconnections are here proposed and discussed for their introduction in the switch.