The configuration of an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch architecture using a shared buffer memory switch (SBMS) is discussed. The scaling factors of the ATM switching network under a condition of mixed applications, including a conventional mix and telecommunication with video, are analyzed. The use of the SBMS as the unit switch for a multistage switching network is examined. A prototype system and its performance evaluation and experimental data are presented. The data indicate excellent performance under a burst cell arrival condition. The buffer size of the SBMS can be reduced in comparison with that of an individual (nonshared) buffer memory switch. A configuration for a large-scale ATM switching network with multistage switches is proposed.<<ETX>>