Abstract
Interconnection networks consist of a set of switches interconnected by point-to-point links, and hosts linked to those switches through a network interface card. These networks are becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective alternative to parallel computers. One of the most well-known example is the Myrinet network. These networks use techniques and incorporate components that have been successfully applied to interconnection networks for parallel computers. One of these techniques is the use of crossbar chips as the main component of switches, allowing to connect the input channel of any of their ports to the output channel of any of their ports for forwarding incoming packets. Of course, when several packets request the same output channel, certain criterion must be used for selecting one of them. This criterion may affect performance in terms of latency and throughput, specially in wormhole networks (Myrinet) where a packet occupies several resources while it is waiting for the output channel. In Myrinet, an arbitration policy based on round-robin criterion is used. However, there exist other arbitration policies that, when applied to Myrinet networks, could increase their performance. In this paper, several arbitration policies for selecting the packet for a free output channel have been considered and evaluated. We have found that strategies based on injection time and remaining distance to travel reduce the average and maximum packet latency of the current policy used in Myrinet.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.