Multicasting in ATM networks using MINs

In this paper, we discuss the problem of establishing multicast connections using self-routing multistage interconnection networks (MINs). We examine the issue of multicasting and propose various schemes to accomplish it. Multicasting using recycling of cells has been suggested in the literature recently. We propose a multicast switch architecture that requires a few simple enhancements over a MIN and describe the process of setting up a multicast connection. The size of the routing tables limit the number of copies per cell that can be generated per pass through the network. We assume that no more than two copies per cell can be generated per pass through the routing network, and provide detailed cell-level simulation results for the average delay of a cell. The results show that recycling is a practicable option for multicasting and that the delay does not increase drastically when cells are recycled.