Definition - What does Crossbar Switch mean?
A crossbar switch, as part of a crossbar topology, channels data or signals between two different points in a network. The crossbar setup is a matrix where each crossbar switch runs between two points, in a design that is intended to hook up each part of an architecture to every other part. Crossbar design can be used in networking and in the construction of chips or electronic setups.
Techopedia explains Crossbar Switch
In chip design, crossbar switches replaced a traditional bus system where linear connections were established. By switching a linear connection to a matrix connection, crossbar setups revolutionized the capacity of these systems and decreased latency and bottlenecks. Now, a system called “network on chip” has replaced both bus and crossbar designs.
In crossbar network switching, crossbar connections may be enabled or disabled at will, or opened for some given duration. As in other kinds of crossbar setups, crossbar network topology allows for more flexible data transfer protocols and can enhance network performance over a bus system.
Crossbar design has also been useful in the engineering of solid-state chips and memory systems for devices.