Split-connection rearrangeably nonblocking operation of three-stage multirate Clos networks

Abstract

In this paper, we study the rearrangeably nonblocking (RNB) operation of asymmetrical three-stage Clos switching networks in the multirate environment. In order to achieve RNB operation in a Clos network, we must find a way to route any given traffic load through the middle-stage switches, possibly rearranging existing connections. The model under consideration assumes that a single connection can be routed through more than one middle-stage switch ( split-connection model). To solve the routing problem, we develop a network model and solve it using a maximum flow-based algorithm. We also derive sufficient conditions on the number of middle-stage switches needed to achieve the RNB operation.