Computer Organization and Design MIPS Edition, 6th Edition

1. 1. True or false: Like SMPs, message-passing computers rely on locks for synchronization.
2. 2. True or false: Clusters have separate memories and thus need many copies of the operating system.

6.9 Introduction to Multiprocessor Network Topologies

Multicore chips require on-chip networks to connect cores together, and clusters require local area networks to connect servers together. This section reviews the pros and cons of different interconnection network topologies.

Network costs include the number of switches, the number of links on a switch to connect to the network, the width (number of bits) per link, and length of the links when the network is mapped into silicon. For example, some cores or servers may be adjacent and others may be on the ...