The Gemini interconnect: Data path measurements and performance analysis

Abstract

The Gemini interconnect is a dual technology (optical and electrical) interconnection network designed for use in tightly-coupled multicomputer systems. It consists of a circuit-switched optical data pa t h i n p arallel with a packet-switched electrical control/data path.Here, we present quantitative measurements of optical data path operation from the physical implementation, as well as a discrete-event simulation model of the entire interconnect that includes visualization capabilities. Performance analyses of several aspects of system operation are developed f r om the simulation model.

Interconnection Networks

“…The Gemini interconnect is an experimental implementation of a novel processor-to-processor interconnection network for tightly-coupled multicomputers [1,3,7,8]. It includes an end-to-end optical data path (including switching of the optical signals) for high-bandwidth, large data volume message delivery.…”