Fast Parallel Sorting Algorithms

Abstract

A parallel bucket-sort algorithm is presented that requires time O(log n) and the use of n processors. The algorithm makes use of a technique that requires more space than the product of processors and time. A realistic model is used in which no memory contention is permitted. A procedure is also presented to sort n numbers in time O(k log n) using n1+1/k processors, for k an arbitrary integer. The model of computation for this procedure permits simultaneous fetches from the same memory location. © 1978, ACM. All rights reserved.