A universal performance factor for multi-criteria evaluation of multistage interconnection networks

The choice of an interconnection network for a parallel computer depends on a large number of performance factors which are very often application dependent. We propose a performance evaluation and a comparison methodology. This methodology is applied to a recently introduced class of interconnection networks (Multistage Chordal Ring Based multistage interconnection network). These networks are compared to the well known Omega network of comparable architectural characteristics. The methodology is expected to serve in the evaluation of the use of multistage interconnection networks as an intercommunication medium in today’s multi-processor systems.