Parallel computer system including arrangement for quickly draining messages from message router

摘要

A computer including a processor array and a routing network. Processors in the processor array generate messages for transfer to over the routing network, each message including a path identifier portion identifying a path from a source, message processor to a destination processor. The routing network comprises a plurality of interconnected router nodes, at least some of said router nodes being connected to the processors to receive messages therefrom and transmit messages thereto. Each router node operates in a plurality of modes. In a first mode, the router nodes couple received messages to a router node connected thereto in accordance with the path identifier portion to thereby transfer each respective message along the path identified in its path identifier portion. In a second mode, the router node couple received messages to predetermined ones of the router nodes or processors connected thereto, the predetermined ones of said router nodes or processors being selected to facilitate transfer of a message to a nearby processor to facilitate the rapid emptying of the routing network of messages. A control element controls the router nodes to enable them to operate in the first mode or second mode generally contemporaneously.