Optimizing the design of networks is a process of optimizing performance in the presence of physical constraints such as wiring density, pin-out, and chip area. This chapter covers models for optimizing the network topology as well as the design of router architectures to date. Accurate and reliable estimates of the network performance are crucial in developing and assessing design approaches. This chapter takes a detailed walk through evaluation of routing algorithms, network design parameters, and switching techniques. Network interfaces and support for collective communication and fault tolerance are evaluated as well.
Emphasis is placed in evaluation techniques and interpretation of simulation results.
This is a link to a web-based flit level simulator that we have found very useful for conveying basic concepts of wormhole switching, routing, and some deadlock issues.