Simulative performance analysis of distributed switching fabrics for SCI-based systems
This paper presents the results of a simulative performance study on 1D and 2D k-ary n-cube topologies as distributed switching fabrics for the Scalable Coherent Interface (SCI). Case studies are conducted on multiprocessor SCI networks composed of simple rings, counter-rotating rings, unidirectional and bidirectional tori, and tori with rings of uniform size. Based on a novel set of verified high-fidelity models, the results identify fundamental performance characteristics associated with each of these SCI fabrics, and tradeoffs between them, in terms of throughput and latency. Limits on scalable performance from SCI with increase in complexity and dimensionality are clarified, supporting decisions for advanced multiprocessor design.
switching fabrics scalable coherent interface bones discrete-event simulation high-performance networks