Computer simulation of PEC network1

Abstract

Interconnection network is a decisive component of parallel and distributed computer systems. With the merits of simplicity and efficiency, 2-dimensional (2-D) mesh has been a popular choice of large MIMD interconnection networks. Mesh, however, has its known weaknesses in scalability and connectivity. Packed Exponential Connections (PEC) is a newly proposed network which is designed to improve the scalability and connectivity of 2-D mesh while maintaining its merits. In this study, the performance of PEC over mesh network is carefully examined through computer simulation. Characteristics of PEC networks are revealed. A novel routing scheme is proposed and used in $\text{PROTEUS}$ environment to simulate the performance of 2-D PEC network. Simulation and analytical results show that for many applications where non-local communications are required, PEC network provides superior performance to that of mesh. Based on simulation results, structural modification is also suggested to further enhance the performance of PEC network.