Performance Evaluation of Regular and Irregular Topologies in Networks on Chips - Article Example

ability to carry out multiple calculations or computations at the same time. Parallel computers should be used because they save on time by carrying out multiple activities simultaneously. The interconnection network is a vital factor when it comes to determining the efficiency of communication that occurs in parallel computers. The architecture of the parallel computer is what primarily determines the functioning of the interconnected network. There are basically two types of parallel computers; those with distributed memory and those with shared memory.

In parallel computers with memories that are physically distributed, there is usually a processing element that enables the computer to function. This processing element is usually made up of a combination of a memory component, typically in one module or the other, which is combined with a processor. The processing elements are usually linked through a connection network, which is referred to as an interconnection network because it is usually complex and it joins many components, depending on the design of the computer [1].

The mechanism through which the processing element works is through the sending and receiving of information in form of individual messages between the elements. In other cases, the memory component of the processing element serves as a shared space where information is stored and accessed. This shared storage space is often either located alongside the processing element or in other cases it can be located in a different part of the interconnected network, but it is still accessible to the processing element.

In cases where the processing element can only communicate by sending individual messages, the type of parallel computer system is referred to as a physically distributed-memory parallel computer, while in the cases where the storage and access memory is shared, the type of parallel computer system is called the distributed-shared-memory system [2].Network Topology is one of the most important differences in the various types of networks, and it affects both the performance and cost of a computer.

There are different types of topologies used in interconnected networks. In this paper, regular and irregular typologies will be exposed and contrasted in terms of performance and cost. Regular typologies are characterized by a definite structural or graphical format [4]. For this reason, regular typologies are easier to analyze, design, and duplicate.