Large optical switching matrices can be assembled incrementally from identi
cal modules by means of a rearrangement of the Clos architecture that we ha
ve labeled SKOL. The design retains the strict-sense nonblocking properties
of the Clos design, identical units provide economies of manufacture, and
there are also cost advantages associated with the incremental expandabilit
y.
SKOL modules can be constructed in ways that do not map back to the Clos or
iginal. In this form, SKOL is a new multistage switching architecture that
is well adapted for construction with integrated optical technologies. We a
nticipate that the SKOL design can provide the very large, expandable optic
al switching matrices now demanded for optical networks.