Hierarchical optical ring interconnection (HORN): scalable interconnection network for multiprocessors and...

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Optical Engineering
• Network Architecture

Background:

• Massively parallel computing demands high-performance interconnection networks.
• Existing networks face limitations in scalability, fault tolerance, and bandwidth utilization.
• Optical technologies offer significant bandwidth potential but require suitable network topologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a new interconnection network topology called Hierarchal Optical Ring Interconnection (HORN).
• Integrate the benefits of hierarchical ring structures with the advantages of optical networking.
• Analyze the architectural properties and feasibility of the HORN topology for optical implementation.

Main Methods:

• The HORN topology is presented and described.
• Architectural properties such as scalability, nonblocking nature, and fault tolerance are analyzed.
• An optical design methodology for HORN is outlined.
• A feasibility study using commercially available optical elements is conducted.

Main Results:

• The HORN topology is a single-hop, scalable, constant-degree, strictly nonblocking, and fault-tolerant interconnection solution.
• It utilizes wavelength-division multiple access to efficiently exploit terahertz optical bandwidth.
• The HORN network supports locality of reference and offers a simple node interface.
• The feasibility study confirms HORN's amenability to optical implementation.

Conclusions:

• The HORN topology presents a promising solution for advanced parallel computing systems.
• Its design effectively combines hierarchical ring advantages with optical networking capabilities.
• HORN is suitable for optical implementation using current technology, paving the way for high-performance computing.