Reprogrammable switching apparatus and method

Abstract

There is shown an apparatus for switching. The apparatus for switching comprises L switching modules which switch packets, where L.gtoreq.2 and is an integer. In an embodiment, each of the L switching modules switch packets independent of any other switching module such that there is distributed switching of packets across the L switching modules. The apparatus also comprises an interconnection module which is connected to each of the L switching modules. The interconnection module that provides a passive backplane provides connectivity between the L switching modules. In an embodiment, the interconnection module provides space and time multiplexed connectivity between the L switching modules. In an other embodiment, the interconnection module is expandable without a priori knowledge of a final number of switching modules. In yet another embodiment, the interconnection module is reprogrammable in regard to connectivity between the L switching modules. The present invention pertains to a method for creating a switching apparatus. The method comprises the steps of connecting a first and at least a second switching module to an interconnection module. Next, there is the step of programming the interconnection module to create a desired connectivity between the first and second switching modules to the interconnection module. Then, there is the step of transferring a packet through the interconnection module and first and second switching modules. Then, there is the step of connecting at least one additional switching module to the interconnection module. Next, there is the step of reprogramming the interconnection module to create a desired connectivity between the first, second and third switching modules to the interconnection module. The present invention pertains to a method of directing a packet.