Multicast performance of multistage interconnection networks with shared buffering

Abstract

Multistage interconnection networks are often proposed to establish a multiprocessor system, ATM switches, or Ethernet switches. Various MIN structures exist to improve the performance. This paper investigates the buffer structures of shared and non-shared buffers in case of packet multicast. Shared buffers perform a dynamic buffer allocation but require a more complex switch management. The different behavior concerning uniform and non-uniform network traffic is examined. The simulation model copes with networks of arbitrary size, arbitrary switching element sizes, arbitrary buffer lengths in each network stage, and an arbitrarily chosen network load. Additionally, arbitrary multicast traffic patterns can be handled.