A novel interconnection network using semiconductor optical amplifier gate switches for shared memory multiprocessors

We propose a novel interconnection network using optical datalinking and switching technologies for shared memory multiprocessors. A splitter-combiner space division optical switch using semiconductor optical amplifier gates is a key element. The experimental results show that the scale of a single-stage optical switch with throughput of 10 Gbit/s per a port is extended up to 16/spl times/16. The results of numerical simulations show that the latency is less than 100 ns for the 16/spl times/16 interconnection network. These characteristics are remarkable in that electrical switches have never achieved such large throughput, high scaleability and small latency simultaneously. An interconnection network using optical switching technologies is a novel platform for high performance data communications in shared memory multiprocessors.