Asymmetric Input/Output Switches for Folded Clos Port Efficiency

The patent applies asymmetry by dividing the input/output switch into two virtual switches with asymmetric port allocations. The first virtual switch has N/2 ports on the subscriber equipment side and M ports on the intermediate switch side, while the second virtual switch has N/2 ports on the subscriber equipment side and M ports on the intermediate switch side. This asymmetric configuration eliminates port excess and improves port utilization efficiency while maintaining non-blocking transfer capability.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the input/output switch into two virtual switches (first virtual switch and second virtual switch) with distinct port allocations. Each virtual switch handles specific traffic patterns, with the first virtual switch handling traffic between subscriber equipment and intermediate switches, and the second virtual switch handling return traffic. This segmentation improves port utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.

The patent applies merging by combining the functions of multiple physical switches into two virtual switches within a single input/output switch device. The first virtual switch handles forward traffic from subscriber equipment to intermediate switches, while the second virtual switch handles return traffic. By merging these functions into a single device with virtual switching, the patent reduces the number of physical devices needed while maintaining improved port utilization efficiency.