Abstract

A new interconnection network for massively parallel computing is introduced. This network is called a hierarchal optical ring interconnection (HORN). The HORN consists of a single-hop, scalable, constant-degree, strictly nonblocking, fault-tolerant interconnection topology that uses wavelength-division multiple access to provide better utilization of the terahertz bandwidth offered by optics. The proposed optical network integrates the attractive features of hierarchical ring interconnections, e.g., a simple node interface, a constant node degree, better support for the locality of reference, and fault tolerance, with the advantages of optics. The HORN topology is presented, its architectural properties are analyzed, and an optical design methodology for it is described. Furthermore, a brief feasibility study of the HORN is conducted. The study shows that the topology is highly amenable to optical implementation with commercially available optical elements.

© 1997 Optical Society of America

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