Performance considerations relating to the design of interconnection networks for multiprocessing systems

The interconnection network is the single most important element of a multiprocessor. Choosing the best interconnection scheme for a given sized multiprocessor is no easy task. This paper presents a two phase analysis to assist in the design of multiprocessor interconnection networks. The two phases of the analysis are analytical, and simulation. The analytical phase introduces a new metric called the network bandwidth requirement, or nbr. This is an estimate for the interconnecting network link speed required for a multiprocessor of a given size. The nbr result is used in the simulation phase of the analysis. Various multiprocessor configurations are simulated using stochastic activity networks to verify the results of the analytical phase. The nbr is shown to be an excellent estimate for the interconnection network link speed required in a multiprocessor. The simulation may also be used to analyze various multiprocessor characteristics