The effect of the degree of multistage interconnection networks on their performance: the case of delta and over-sized delta networks

Abstract

Interconnection network performance is a key factor when constructing parallel computers. Today's technological progress makes it possible to build and use crossbars of sizes up to 128. Crossbars can be used as switching elements (SEs) in parallel architectures intercommunication systems such as multistage interconnection networks (MINs). A MIN is usually defined, among others, by its topology. One of the factors defining the topology of a MIN is its degree. The degree of a MIN is the size of the SE of which it is composed. We are interested in studying the influence of the degree of two classes of MINs on their performance. The tested MINs classes are the famous delta networks and a subclass of this family called the over-sized delta networks. This study is to be used in future work in order to evaluate the use of MINs as an intercommunication medium in symmetric multiprocessors.