Content area
A multiprocessor network consists of a fixed number of processor nodes which are connected cyclically by unidirectional bus links. The bus links are used to implement a fixed number of virtual channels connecting a fixed number of processes. A message consists of a request followed by a response, a system that causes a message to pass through all nodes at once. Each node operates on a first-come, first served queueing system with a finite buffer capacity. The advantages of such a network include: 1. No transmission takes place unless it is requested. 2. Messages are not discarded due to buffer overflow. 3. The network cannot deadlock. 4. All messages are delivered within a finite time. 5. Transmission times are uniform. 6. Space and time requirements are proportional to the size of the network. Such a network system has been programmed in Concurrent Pascal, although modifications may be needed to handle hardware errors. Figures.