Networks for parallel processing on a large scale

It is suggested that a new dimension can be added to information technology developments and impact by the introduction of both broadcast communication and parallel-processing paradigms between remote systems. In addition to conventional point-to-point liaisons, different categories of broadcast services, to accommodate conferences between remote processors, need to be supported by the data network. The envisaged network services allow the attached systems to operate on abundant information and to elaborate in parallel. The necessary broadcast and synchronization primitives are examined in the light of potential applications such as scientific parallel processing, computer-assisted cooperative work using multimedia workstations, and cooperative expert systems carrying out some aspects of the work within an organization. The details of the implementation of the examined network services on the DUAL 140 Mb/s fiber campus network are given.<>