Characterization of deadlocks in interconnection networks

Abstract

Deadlock-free routing algorithms have been developed recently without fully understanding the frequency and characteristics of deadlocks. Using a simulator capable of true deadlock detection, we measure a network's susceptibility to deadlock due to various design parameters. The effects of bidirectionality, routing adaptivity, virtual channels, buffer size and node degree on deadlock formation are studied. In the process, we provide insight into the frequency and characteristics of deadlocks and the relationship between routing flexibility blocked messages, resource dependencies and the degree of correlation needed to form deadlock.