Abstract
In this paper, we define the general requirements of ATM switching systems such as scalability, distributed fashion, and modularity. Also we propose a practical implementation of a scalable ATM switching system whose capacity can be easily expanded. Firstly, the architecture of the system is discussed with an emphasis on system scalability, modularity of subsystems and the simple control network of the design requirements. Secondly, we suggest the three types of distributed call/connection control schemes that are suitable for our switching system. We also estimate their call processing capacity on the average and make a comparison of them under the various system architectures. Since our scalable switching system can be constructed to perform the call processing functions on the various levels of the system capacity, it has much adaptability at the various evolution phases or regions of the network environment.