Parallel Computer Routing and Communication

Book excerpt: This workshop was a continuation of the PCRCW ’94 workshop that focused on issues in parallel communication and routing in support of parallel processing. The workshop series provides a forum for researchers and designers to exchange ideas with respect to challenges and issues in supporting communication for high-performance parallel computing. Within the last few years we have seen the scope of interconnection network technology expand beyond traditional multiprocessor systems to include high-availability clusters and the emerging class of system area networks. New application domains are creating new requirements for interconnection network services, e.g., real-time video, on-line data mining, etc. The emergence of quality-of-service guarantees within these domains challenges existing approaches to interconnection network design. In the recent past we have seen the emphasis on low-latency software layers, the application of multicomputer interconnection technology to distributed shared-memory multiprocessors and LAN interconnects, and the shift toward the use of commodity clusters and standard components. There is a continuing evolution toward powerful and inexpensive network interfaces, and low-cost, high-speed routers and switches from commercial vendors. The goal is to address the above issues in the context of networks of workstations, multicomputers, distributed shared-memory multiprocessors, and traditional tightly-coupled multiprocessor interconnects. The PCRCW ’97 workshop presented 20 regular papers and two short papers covering a range of topics dealing with modern interconnection networks. It was hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology and sponsored by the Atlanta Chapter of the IEEE Computer Society.