A low-latency programming interface and a prototype switch for scalable high-performance distributed computing

This paper discusses the architecture and performance of a prototype switch for interconnecting IBM RISC System/6000 workstations. The paper describes the interconnection architecture and performance on a cluster of four IBM RISC System 6000 model 340 workstations. It also describes the driver level software interface to the switch and the features incorporated to minimize communication overhead. The performance measurements cover communication latency and bandwidth. In addition, performance measurements of Express, a popular parallel-programming interface, are provided.<
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