Design considerations for optical interconnects in parallel computers

Communication complexity and latency is a critical problem in multiprocessor systems. A significant portion of communication latency is associated with the interconnect network. Optics has many advantages for achieving low latency, scalable interprocessor communication. The author identifies significant ways in which optical technology can boost network functionality and performance when key architectural and implementation design issues are considered. A high bandwidth, reconfigurable optical interconnect capable of increased network throughput and optimal processor-memory connectivity can result from this approach.<>