Comparing switch and buffer sizes of multistage interconnection networks in case of multicast traffic

摘要

Multistage interconnection networks (Banyan networks) are frequently proposed as connections in multiprocessor systems or network switches. In this paper, systems of equations are set up automatically to model such multistage networks. The model allows an analytic investigation of various switching element and buffer sizes in case of multicast traffic. Comparing different switching element sizes helps to determine the optimal size for a given traffic pattern including multicast packets. The investigation of different buffer sizes yields new conclusions concerning the dependence of the network throughput on the buffer size for small and large switching elements. The optimal network parameter choice for a given traffic pattern can be found.